Afghanistan: Tanker explosions leave 15 dead in Parwan Nov. 1

Event

Dual fuel tanker explosions caused by a magnetic improvised explosive device (IED), or "sticky bomb," left at least 15 people dead and wounded 27 others in Charikar (Parwan province) on Wednesday, November 1. Responsibility for the explosions, which occurred around 19:00 (local time), has not yet been claimed by any group.

Context

"Sticky bomb" attacks have been employed with increasing frequency in Afghanistan by the Taliban since at least July 2012, and more recently by Islamic State - Khorasan province (ISK). A similar sticky bomb attack - also perpetrated without an immediate claim of responsibility - was carried out in Pul-e Khumri (Baghlan province) on Monday, October 30, wounding at least 13 people.

The Taliban has waged an insurgency against the Western-backed Kabul government since being toppled from power by a US-led invasion in 2001. They have intensified attacks across the war-torn country in recent months, putting additional pressure on Afghan forces already stretched on multiple fronts.

ISK has also perpetrated attacks in recent weeks, notably including a suicide bombing that killed at least seven people and wounded 21 others in the Wazir Akhbar Khan (Green Zone) area of Kabul on Tuesday, October 31.

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.