Afghanistan: Four killed in explosion in Herat August 5

Event

An improvised explosive device (IED) detonation left four people dead and 30 others injured in the city of Herat on the night (local time) of Monday, August 5. The blast occurred in a bazar in the Haji Abbas area, near a police station. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Similar attacks are likely over the coming days and weeks.

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 Herat 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.