21 Jul 2018 | 01:32 AM UTC
Afghanistan: US-led coalition airstrike kills 14 civilians near Kunduz July 19
US-led coalition airstrike kills 14 civilians near Kunduz (Kunduz province) July 19; incident under investigation
Event
A US-led coalition airstrike killed up to 14 civilians in Chardara, near Kunduz (Kunduz province), on Thursday, July 19. The incident was under investigation as of Thursday, according to Afghan officials. Related demonstrations and incidents of civil unrest are possible in the coming days.
Context
Afghan security forces have frequently battled Taliban militants for control of the area.
From January to June 2018, nearly 1700 civilians had been killed in Afghanistan, including 353 killed and wounded by airstrikes (a 52 percent increase), according to the latest UN figures.
Advice
As a reminder, Western governments advise their citizens against all but essential travel to Afghanistan. Individuals traveling around Afghanistan, including Kabul, are advised to seek professional security advice, to continually reassess their personal security, to maintain contact and report movements, and to stay away from protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings.
