Afghanistan: Taliban militants kill seven Afghan soldiers in Balkh province December 24

Event

Afghan Ministry of Defense officials confirmed that Taliban militants attacked a joint military base in the Khili Guli area of Dawlat Abad district (Balkh province) in the early hours (local time) on Tuesday, December 24. The militants killed seven soldiers from the Afghan Army, and wounded a further six individuals from the Afghan Army and the National Directorate of Security (NDS). 

Similar attacks are possible in 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.

Advice

Individuals in Balkh province are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the affected area, liaise with their security partner, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

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