Afghanistan: Afghan security forces clash with Taliban fighters in Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province, July 16

Event

Afghan security forces clashed with Taliban fighters in the border town of Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province, on July 16, killing an Indian journalist who was part of the Afghan security officers' entourage. The government forces were attempting to retake control of the checkpoint linking the country with Pakistan after the Taliban seized control of the area on July 14. The border remains closed as of July 16, though Pakistani officials obtained the Taliban's consent to briefly reopen the border July 15 to allow stranded citizens to cross. The Pakistan government may attempt to reach an agreement with the Taliban to permanently reopen the border in the coming days and weeks.

Authorities on both sides of the border will almost certainly continue to maintain heightened security measures, including deploying additional personnel, in the coming days. Further rounds of fighting between the Taliban and Afghan government forces in the area are highly likely. Cross-border transport disruptions are also likely to continue.

Spin Boldak is around 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Kandahar and approximately 101 km (63 miles) northwest of Quetta, Pakistan.

Advice

Avoid the area due to possible additional fighting. Reconfirm the status of the crossing before travel or processing cargo shipments through the area. Heed all traffic and security advisories.