Afghanistan: Militant attack kills 14 security force members in Uruzgan province September 21

Event

A militant attack in Gizab district (Uruzgan province) killed at least 14 security force members on Monday night, September 21. The incident was reported by a spokesman for the provincial governor who said some soldiers had retreated to the center of Gizab district to create another line of defense; however, the status of the fighting remained unknown due to disruptions in the local communication lines. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but Taliban militants are known to operate in the area.

Afghan authorities also reported that a total of at least 29 Afghan security force members were killed in clashes across the country on Monday.

Further attacks in Uruzgan province are likely 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 the 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

Those in Uruzgan province are advised to monitor developments in their own particular area of operations through a range of multi-source intelligence advisories and should heed all instructions issued by local authorities or their home governments. The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.