Afghanistan: Car bombing reported in Kandahar July 18

Event

A car bomb detonated at a police headquarter in Kandahar on Thursday, July 18. According to police officials, gunmen have entered the building. Details are emerging. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the blast.

Similar attacks are possible in Kandahar province and elsewhere in Afghanistan over the near term.

Context

Taliban and Islamic State (IS) 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 Kandahar are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the area, liaise with their security partner, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home government. The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.