Afghanistan: Taliban militants kill at least 34 in Maruf district (Kandahar province) June 30 /update 1

Event

Taliban militants killed at least 34 people, mostly police officers, in Maruf district (Kandahar province) early (local time) on Sunday, June 30. Militants drove at least four explosives-packed vehicles into the district office compound during the attack; Afghan security forces managed to repel the attack and prevent the Taliban from overrunning the district office, killing around 25 militants.

Taliban militants also killed 34 others in separate clashes with security forces in Paktia and Kunduz provinces on Sunday. Similar attacks and clashes are to be expected in Afghanistan over the near term as the seventh round of peace talks continues between Taliban and US representatives in Qatar.

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.

Advice

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

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