Afghanistan, Pakistan: Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing remains closed as of Aug. 13 /update 1

Event

The Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan remains closed as of Aug. 13. The Taliban reportedly shut the border Aug. 6, demanding that Pakistani authorities provide visa-free travel for Afghan citizens and address the alleged mistreatment of Afghans in Pakistan.

Severe ground traffic disruptions and shipping delays between the two nations continue to occur. Demonstrations against the border closure are likely; locals and Afghan citizens stranded in Pakistan have staged several related actions in Chaman. Clashes cannot be ruled out. Pakistani authorities reportedly deployed tear gas against demonstrators during a related gathering Aug. 12.

Additionally, further rounds of fighting between the Taliban and Afghan government forces are likely in nearby areas of Kandahar Province; unconfirmed reports suggest the Taliban has captured Kandahar city as of Aug. 13. Pakistani officials have deployed additional security personnel to the region as a precaution.

Context

The Taliban has taken control of multiple checkpoints along Afghanistan's borders with neighboring countries and several provincial capitals across the country over the past several weeks, though Afghan authorities have disputed the alleged fall of some cities. The attacks are occurring amid the ongoing withdrawal of international forces, which had previously supported government forces in engagements, from Afghanistan. Armed clashes are likely to continue indefinitely.

Advice

Reconfirm the status of the crossing before travel or processing cargo shipments through the area. Maintain heightened levels of vigilance in the area. Avoid any protests and concentrations of security personnel. Heed all traffic and security advisories.