Afghanistan: Militants attack security checkpoint in Baghlan province June 17

Event

Militants killed seven Afghan security personnel in an attack on a security outpost in Pol-e-Khomri district (Baghlan province) on Wednesday evening, June 17. The attack targeted the Kotal-e-Surkh outpost and reports indicate that five other security forces were injured in the attack. As of Thursday, June 18, responsibility for the attack has not been claimed, although local security officials have blamed the Taliban for the attack.

Further attacks targeting security personnel in Baghlan province are likely 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 Baghlan 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.