19 Oct 2017 | 08:31 AM UTC
Afghanistan: Taliban attack in Kandahar Oct. 18 (43 dead)
Officials say that 43 soldiers were killed in major Taliban attack on army camp in Maiwand (Kandahar) October 18
Event
Officials have said that at least 43 soldiers were killed in an attack on an army camp in the Chashmo area of Maiwand district (Kandahar province, south) late on Wednesday, October 18. The Taliban subsequently claimed responsibility for the attack in a media statement. The assailants reportedly initiated the attack with two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), triggering a firefight lasting several hours. Nine Taliban militants were also killed in the incident.
Context
The latest attack comes amid a Taliban resurgence in the country. On October 17, Afghan officials said that more than 70 people have been killed in a series of Taliban attacks which began late on October 16. The recent attacks on these and other district administrative centers in Afghanistan are likely in response to a recent Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) security meeting in Muscat between Afghan, Chinese, Pakistani, and US officials, aimed at facilitating the start of peace negotiations between the Taliban and Afghan government.
Taliban forces regularly perpetrate attacks on Afghan soil as they seek to reimpose strict Islamic law since being ousted by US-led forces in 2001. The Taliban tend to target government and military buildings and personnel as they fight the US-backed Kabul government.
The Taliban have been increasingly active since US President Trump announced plans in September to send an additional 3000 troops to rout terrorist networks in the country.
Advice
Due to major security concerns, individuals throughout Afghanistan are urged to keep a safe distance from large gatherings, military convoys, government buildings, and crowded urban areas. Many Western governments advise their citizens against travel to Afghanistan due to the high threat of kidnapping and terrorism, including frequent attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, local civilians and politicians, and individuals working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Travel to the country should only be undertaken with proper security protocols in place.
