Afghanistan: Taliban fighters kidnap 43 people in Kandahar province /update 1

Event

On the evening (local time) of Thursday, June 21, Taliban fighters kidnapped at least 43 road construction workers and support personnel in the Sira Sahan area of Spin Boldak district (Kandahar province). Four police officers were reportedly killed in a gunfight with the kidnappers while responding to the incident. Shortly after the incident, the Taliban issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack.

Context

On April 25, the Taliban issued a statement announcing the launch of their annual spring offensive, which coincides every year with the arrival of warmer weather that allows militants to move more easily over Afghanistan's mountainous terrain. The group has since launched multiple attacks across the country, killing security forces and civilians.

The Taliban and the Afghan government adhered to a ceasefire in observance of Eid Al-Fitr June 15-17. A resumption of large-scale Taliban attacks - especially targeting government and security personnel and installations - has been reported since June 18 in Farah, Ghazni, Helmand, and Faryab provinces. The government has also relaunched normal anti-Taliban operations nationwide.

Kandahar (Kandahar province) is the former capital of the Taliban government.

Advice

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.