Afghanistan: Security forces engage militants in Kunar province April 6

Event

A group of suspected Taliban fighters ambushed an Afghan security convoy traveling in Dangam district (Kunar province) on Monday, April 6. According to security officials, three militants were killed and four were wounded in the engagement. No casualties were reported among Afghan security personnel.

Similar attacks are expected in Kunar province over the near term.

Context

Progress toward Afghan-Taliban negotiations, as stipulated in a US-brokered peace deal, has been hampered by a power struggle between President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, who have both recently declared themselves president in competing inauguration ceremonies.

Taliban 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 the affected area are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the vicinity of the attack, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.