April 17-23, 2020

At least 119 pro-government forces and three civilians were killed in Afghanistan during the past week. Afghan officials say security-force deaths have averaged 40 a day, and insurgent deaths have also jumped for the past two weeks as the Taliban try to further weaken the government while it contends with the coronavirus. However, not every incident has been tracked and reported, and so this week’s report is not a complete record. The deadliest attack took place in Takhar Province, where a Taliban Red Unit attacked a military base called Hawa Shinasi in Khwaja Ghar District, killing at least 17 members of the territorial army and wounding four others. Insurgents also attacked a military vehicle passing through the area, killing two more soldiers. The Taliban were able to capture the military base and seize all of the equipment there, as reinforcements never arrived despite being called for. The Afghan air force did eventually arrive, but avoided targeting Taliban positions.

April 23 Uruzgan Province: six police officers killed

The Taliban attacked security outposts in Tarin Kot, the provincial capital, killing six police officers. Local officials also said that the security situation in the province was deteriorating as Taliban attacks escalated.

April 23 Kunduz Province: five soldiers killed

The Taliban attacked the center of Qala-e-Zal District, killing five soldiers and wounding three others.

April 23 Takhar Province: one security force killed

The Taliban attacked the center of Darqad District, killing one commando before being pushed back by security forces.

April 22 Sar-i-Pul province: eight security forces killed

A Taliban Red Unit attacked a security outpost in the Toopkhana village of Sancharak District, killing seven local police officers and one pro-government militia member. An additional 10 local police officers were wounded in the battle, and the Taliban were eventually pushed back after the arrival of reinforcements.

April 22 Logar Province: eight police officers killed

The Taliban attacked security outposts in the Mais-e-Ainak area of Muhammad Agha District, killing eight members of the Afghan Public Protection Forces and wounding five others.

April 22 Sar-i-Pul Province: three security forces killed

The Taliban attacked a security outpost in the Tayara Maidan area of Sozma Qala District, killing two police officers and one local police officer and wounding an additional six security forces. Another police officer was taken prisoner and the Taliban successfully captured the outpost.