Afghanistan: Multiple attacks reported in Takhar, Balkh, and Uruzgan provinces April 20

Event

Local officials announced that multiple attacks occurred against security forces in the Takhar, Balkh, and Uruzgan provinces overnight between Sunday, April 19, and Monday, April 20. In the Takhar province, 19 suspected Taliban militants were neutralized after they ambushed security forces in the Khwaja Ghar district. Police chief Seyed Aref Eghbali also added that four people were killed following clashes between Taliban and security forces in the Sholgara district (Balkh province). Meanwhile, local officials said that five policemen were killed in another attack against a police station in the city of Tarin Kot (Uruzgan province).

Additional armed clashes are to be expected between Afghan security forces and Taliban militants over 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 the 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 avoid the affected area, 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. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.