Afghanistan: Fighting ongoing, severe disruptions likely in and around multiple northern areas as of Aug. 12 /update 2

Event

Fighting between government and Taliban forces is continuing in multiple areas of northern Afghanistan. As of early Aug. 12, fighting is reportedly ongoing in parts of Mazar-e-Sharif, Herat, and Qala-i-Naw. On Aug. 11, Taliban fighters apparently captured Faizabad, the provincial capital of Badakhshan Province. The Taliban has also taken control of Kunduz Airport (UND) after hundreds of Afghan National Army personnel retreated or surrendered. An unspecified number of security forces, Taliban fighters, and civilians have died in various clashes.

Most long-distance transport services in the impacted areas are nonoperational. The ongoing clashes are likely to result in further severe disruptions to travel and both commercial and government operations. Additional violence is likely around all contested locations.

Context

Kunduz, with an estimated population of over 300,000, is the largest city to be taken by the Taliban during their ongoing offensive. The capture of Kunduz effectively destroyed the 217 Pamir Army Corps, one of the Afghan National Army's seven corps, as a cohesive organization. Since Aug. 6. the Taliban has taken effective control of at least nine provincial capitals, including Pol-e-Khomri, Aybak, Sar-e-Pul, Taloqan, and Sheberghan in the country's north. Northern Afghanistan is not historically a center of Taliban support or activity. The militant group continues to battle government forces across the country. Further attacks on provincial capitals are highly likely in the coming weeks.

Several embassies in Kabul have called for their respective citizens to leave the country due to prevailing security conditions and the limited availability of consulate support.

Advice

Defer travel to areas contested by or recently captured by the Taliban. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Liaise with trusted security partners for further information. Review and update contingency plans. Carry personal identification documents while traveling in Afghanistan. Heed all security personnel instructions.