Afghanistan: Insider attack kills 24 in Qalat March 20

Event

At least 24 Afghan soldiers were killed in an insider attack in Qalat (Zabul province) on Friday, March 20. According to local officials, at approximately 03:00 (local time), six Taliban infiltrators turned their weapons against soldiers as they slept before collecting arms and vehicles from the military camp. Four additional security forces members are still missing. The Taliban have not claimed responsibility for the attack.

Similar incidents are possible in Afghanistan 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 the 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 Zabul province are advised to monitor developments, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. 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.