Afghanistan: Insider attack leaves five policemen dead in Kunduz province April 15

Event

At least five local police officers were killed after an alleged Taliban infiltrator opened fire on his colleagues in Imam Sahib district (Kunduz province) on Wednesday, April 15. The assailant, a local officer suspected to have links with the Taliban, shot his colleagues in their sleep inside a checkpoint. The Taliban did not immediately claim responsibility for the attack.

Similar attacks are possible in Kunduz over the near term.

Context

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 and to gain leverage amid ongoing peace negotiations.

Advice

Individuals in Kunduz 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.