Afghanistan: Explosion kills one police officer in Khost August 6

Event

At least one policeman was killed and two others were wounded in a bomb explosion in Khost on Tuesday, August 6. A magnetic bomb reportedly placed inside a border police officer's vehicle detonated at around 08:00 (local time). No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Similar attacks are likely in 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 Khost 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.