Afghanistan: Clashes between Taliban and security forces leave 17 dead in Kandahar May 4

Event

Clashes between Taliban militants and security forces, which occurred in the early morning hours (local time) on Saturday, May 4 in the Spin Boldak district in Kandahar city have reportedly left 17 people dead. Police officials reported that the clashes occurred after Taliban militants attacked the Boldak Nika police security checkpoint. Four police officers and seven Taliban militants were also wounded in the fighting.

Similar attacks targeting security forces are to be expected in Afghanistan over the coming weeks, with the Taliban recently rejecting calls from Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad for a ceasefire ahead of and during Ramadan.

Context

Taliban militants launch attacks on government personnel, security forces, and civilians in Afghanistan on a near-daily basis. Such assaults are, in part, intended to undermine the perceived capacity of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) - and the Afghan government more broadly - to adequately provide security in the wake of the withdrawal of most US-led NATO forces from the country and to gain leverage in ongoing peace discussions with the US.

Advice

Individuals in Afghanistan are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to instructions and advice issued by their home governments.

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.