Afghanistan: At least two killed in suicide bombing attack near Bagram Air Base December 11 /update 1

Event

At least two civilians were killed and more than 70 others wounded in a suicide bombing attack at a medical facility near Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul, on Wednesday, December 11. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the incident. Following the blast, the facility was attacked by six Taliban militants; all six insurgents were killed by Afghan soldiers. Several homes and a mosque in the immediate vicinity of the blast were reportedly destroyed.  

Similar attacks targeting security forces are to be expected 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 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 Afghanistan are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.

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