Afghanistan: At least 34 killed by roadside bomb in Farah province July 31 /update 1

Event

At least 34 people were killed and 15 others wounded after a passenger bus hit a roadside bomb on the Herat-Kandahar highway in Bala Buluk district (Farah province) on Wednesday morning (local time), July 31. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the blast; however, the spokesperson for the Farah governor's office blamed the Taliban for the attack.

Similar roadside bomb attacks are possible in Farah province 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 Farah province are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the affected area, 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.