Afghanistan: Taliban attack security forces checkpoints in Aqcha (Jowzjan province) June 17

Event

Taliban militants killed at least 12 Afghan security forces personnel on the morning of Wednesday, June 17, in attacks on checkpoints in the Aqcha district of Jowzjan province. Local officials claimed that at least five suspected Taliban fighters were also killed and ten wounded in the coordinated attacks on two checkpoints, although there was no confirmation of casualties in a statement from the group claiming responsibility for the incident.

Further attacks and security operations are likely in the area in 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 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 and to gain leverage amid ongoing peace negotiations.

Advice

Those in Jowzjan province are advised to monitor developments, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.