Country Profile for AFGHANISTAN

Alert for Afghanistan

 

Roadside bomb blast kills seven police in Herat - 21 May 2013:

At least seven police officers have been killed in a roadside bomb attack in the western Herat province.  District Police Chief Sher Agha said the blast was so strong that the police officers vehicle was completely destroyed. 

Suicide bomb attack kills 14 in Baghlan province - 20 May 2013:

At least 14 people have been killed after an attacker disguised as a police officer detonated his suicide vest outside the provincial council officers in Pul-e-Khomri, Baghlan province.  Rasul Khan Mohseni, the head of the council and prominent anti-Taliban figure, was among the victims of the attack.

Suicide bombers target foreign military convoy - 16 May 2013:

At least six Afghan civilians have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in the Afghan capital Kabul.  The intended target appeared to be two foreign military vehicles which were passing at the time of the blast.

Bazaar bomb blast leaves three dead in Helmand - 14 May 2013:

At least three people have been killed and five others wounded after a bomb exploded at a Bazaar in Helmand province.  The device, which had reportedly been planted on a motorcycle, was detonated remotely in the Gamser district. 

Georgian soldiers killed in insurgent attack - 14 May 2013:

Three Georgian soldiers have been killed in a suicide bomb attack at a base in the southern province of Helmand.  Georgia has the largest non-NATO troop contingent in Afghanistan, with more than 1,500 soldiers currently on active duty in the country.

Car bomb kills 10 in Kandahar - 13 May 2013:

At least 10 people have been killed by a roadside bomb in the southern province of Kandahar.  The victims, including women and children, were travelling in the Arghistan district when their vehicle hit an IED.

Afghan - Pakistan border clashes - 6 May 2013:

Afghan and Pakistani troops have clashed along the two countries shared border.  The incident occurred a few days after an Afghan border police guard was killed and two Pakistani troops wounded during violence in the Goshta district of Nangarhar province.

Taliban bomb attack kills eight police outside Kabul - 2 May 2013:

At least eight Afghan police officers have been killed after their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED) on a road outside Kabul.  Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, claimed the group carried out the attack.

UK troops killed by roadside bomb in Helmand - 1 May 2013:

Three British soldiers have been killed and six others wounded after their armoured vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Helmand province.  The troops were on a patrol in the Nahr-e-Saraj district when the device exploded.

Taliban militants kill peace envoy in Helmand province - 1 May 2013:

Taliban fighters have killed a senior peace envoy in the southern province of Helmand.  Malim Shahwali, the chief of Afghanistan's peace council, was travelling to the Gereshk district when militants ambushed his convoy.

Taliban militants capture foreign nationals in eastern Afghanistan - 22 April 2013:

Taliban militants have captured a group of nine foreign nationals after their helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in Logar province in eastern Afghanistan.  Seven Turkish nationals and two Russians were abducted along with an Afghan national in the Azra district.

Series of attacks across Afghanistan leave 24 dead - 17 April 2013:

At least 24 people have been killed in a series of separate attacks across Afghanistan.  Seven people died in Herat province when a civilian truck hit a roadside bomb, while five people were killed a government convoy hit an IED in Ghazni province.

Afghan soldiers killed in Taliban attack - 12 April 2013:

At least 13 Afghan soldiers have been killed in an attack by Taliban militants in the eastern province of Kunar.  Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, who claimed responsibility for the attack, said 15 Afghan soldiers were killed in the clashes.

Eight killed in Wardak province - 8 April 2013:

At least nine people have been killed and 22 others wounded after a roadside bomb struck a civilian bus in Wardak province.  A spokesman for the provincial governor blamed the Taliban for the attack.

NATO air strike kills children in Kunar province - 7 April 2013:

At least 11 children have been killed in a NATO airstrike in the Kunar province of eastern Afghanistan.  The strike on a village in the Shigal district also claimed the lives of at least six Taliban militants, including two senior commanders.  Afghan President Hamid Karzai has strongly condemned the operation and ordered an investigation into the killings.

NATO air strike kills Afghan police officers - 4 April 2013:

A NATO airstrike has killed four Afghan police officers and two civilians in eastern Afghanistan.  Fazel Ahmad Toolwak, the Deh Yak district chief, said the two civilians were brothers who were being searched by police at a checkpoint. 

Suicide bombers target Afghan courthouse - 3 April 2013:

At least seven people have been killed after suicide bombers dressed as Afghan soldiers attacked a courthouse in the western city of Farah.  More than 70 people were wounded in the blast, many of them civilians. 

Suicide bomb targets police in Jalalabad - 26 March 2013:

Five police officers have been killed in a suicide bomb attack on a police station in the eastern city of Jalalabad.  One assailant set of a car bomb outside the building before another three made their way inside and detonated suicide vests.  Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two US troops killed in 'green-on-blue' attack - 11 March 2013:

Two US soldiers have been shot dead by an assailant wearing an Afghan National Security Forces uniform in Wardak province.  The incident is the latest in a series of 'green-on-blue' attacks in the country involving the Afghan security forces. 

Suicide bomber kills nine in Kabul - 09 March 2013:

A suicide bomb attack has killed nine people and wounded 20 others in the Afghan capital, Kabul.  The blast occurred as the new US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel was visiting a military facility in the city.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack.  Earlier in the day eight children and a police officer died in another suicide bomb attack in the city of Khost.

Taliban attack police post in Ghazni - 27 February 2013:

At least 17 people have been killed after Taliban militants attacked a police post in the eastern state of Ghazni.   The assailants reportedly escaped with weapons and ammunition from the station.

Air strike kills civilians in Kunar air strike - 13 February 2013:

At least 10 civilians, including five children, have been killed by a NATO airstrike in the Shigal district of Kunar province.  A spokesman for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) confirmed the strike, which also killed five Taliban militants.

Roadside bomb targets police in Kandahar - 27 January 2013:

At least 10 people have been killed, including eight police officers, after a roadside bomb exploded in the southern city of Kandahar.  The police were investigating the discovery of another bomb when they were hit by the second device.

Car bomb kills five in Kapisa - 25 January 2013:

At least five people have been killed in a car bomb attack in the eastern province of Kapisa.  The blast appeared to have been targeting a NATO convoy; however no ISAF troops were wounded.

Kabul police HQ hit by suicide bombers - 21 January 2013:

Three police officers have been killed after suicide bombers attacked the traffic police headquarters in Kabul.  Five militants were also killed in the incident, which follows a similar attack on the NDS offices last week.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Suicide bomber targets Kabul security offices - 16 January 2013:

At least three people have been killed after a suicide bomber attacked the National Directorate of Security (NDS) offices in Kabul.  Five attackers were also killed, while a further 30 civilians were wounded.

British soldier killed by rogue army gunman - 08 January 2013:

A British soldier has been killed by a rogue member of the Afghan army.  The shooting took place at the Patrol Base Hazrat in Helmand's Nahr-e Saraj district.

Suicide attack kills four in Spin Boldak - 06 January 2013:

Four people have been killed after two suicide bombers attacked a meeting of tribal elders in the town of Spin Boldak.  There have been numerous incidents in the town, which is often used for smuggling people and weapons from nearby Pakistan.

US aide shot dead by Iranian woman in Kabul - 24 December 2012:

A US civilian aide has been shot dead in Kabul by an Iranian woman from the Afghan security forces.  It has been reported that the woman had illegally obtained an Afghan identity card, allowing her to join the army.

Landmine kills 10 girls in Nangarhar - 17 December 2012:

At least 10 young girls have been killed by a landmine in the eastern province of Nangarhar.  The girls were reportedly collecting firewood when one of them hit the device with an axe.

Provincial police chief killed in Taliban blast - 10 December 2012:

The provincial police chief has been killed in a roadside bomb attack in the southern province of Nimroz.  Gen. Mohammad Musa Rasouli was travelling from Herat province back to his home when the blast occurred.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the blast, claiming that they had been specifically tracking him.

Two killed in Wardak suicide blast - 23 November 2012:

At least two people have been killed in a suicide car bomb attack in the eastern province of Wardak.  A further 40 were reported to have been injured in the blast, which occurred near a security centre in the provincial capital Maidan Shar.

Three killed in Kabul bombing - 21 November 2012:

At least three people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in the Afghan capital Kabul.  The blast occurred close to the headquarters of NATO in the heavily guarded diplomatic quarter.

Rocket attack kills one in Kabul - 13 November 2012:

At least one person has been killed in a rocket attack in the Afghan capital Kabul.  Three other people were wounded in the incident, which appeared to target the presidential palace in the city.

Afghan troops killed by roadside bombing - 08 November 2012:

Five Afghan troops have been killed and several others wounded after their convoy was hit by a roadside bomb in the eastern province of Laghman.  Elsewhere in the country 10 civilians were killed by a roadside bomb in Helmand province, while three police officers were killed in Kandahar.

Faryab mosque suicide bombing kills 37 - 26 October 2012:

At least 37 people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack at a mosque in Maiman, capital of Faryab province.  The attack, which occurred on the first day of the Eid al-Adha, appeared to target the Faryab chief of police.

Security forces killed in Taliban clashes - 23 October 2012:

At least 10 members of Afghanistan's security forces have been killed in a gun battle with Taliban fighters in the western province of Herat.  Two Taliban leaders were also killed in the fighting, which took place in the Genewa region.

Foreign nationals kidnapped in Wardak province - 13 October 2012:

Afghan officials have confirmed that two foreign nationals, reportedly a Canadian and American, have been kidnapped in Wardak province.  The pair went missing in the Sayed Abad district of the Salar region, and are believed to have been captured by the Taliban.

Suicide bomb attack kills 14 in Khost - 01 October 2012:

At least 14 people have been killed and 60 others wounded in a suicide bomb attack in the eastern city of Khost.  Three NATO soldiers were among the dead, which appeared to target a foot patrol outside the police headquarters.  The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Checkpoint battle leaves five dead in Wardak province - 30 September 2012:

Five people have been killed at a security checkpoint in Wardak province.  The two Americans and three Afghans were reportedly killed when an argument broke out between the two sides in the Said Adab district.

Women killed in NATO airstrike - 16 September 2012:

At least eight women have been killed in NATO airstrikes in the eastern province of Laghman.  Earlier today four US soldiers were killed in an attack by a rogue Afghan police officer.

Militants attack Bagram air base - 11 September 2012:

Three Afghans have been killed following an attack on Bagram air base in Parwan province.  Missiles were fired into the base, destroying a Chinook helicopter and killing three intelligence personnel.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Kunduz suicide blast kills 16 - 10 September 2012:

At least 16 people have been killed by a suicide bomb attack in the north-eastern province of Kunduz.  Kunduz city's deputy police chief said that 11 of the victims were police officers, who had been deployed to provide security for a planned demonstration in support of a local warlord.

Suicide bomber kills six in Kabul - 08 September 2012:

At least six people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in the Afghan capital, Kabul.  Local police said the attacker was a 14-year old boy, who detonated a bomb near the ISAF HQ in the city. 

Suicide bombing kills 28 in Nimroz province - 14 August 2012:

At least 28 people have been killed and more than 70 wounded after three suicide bombers struck the city of Zaranj in Nimroz province.  The attack comes a day after a group of suspected insurgents were arrested in the area.

Six US soldiers killed in two gun attacks - 11 August 2012:

Six US soldiers have been killed in two separate attacks in southern Afghanistan.  An Afghan police officer shot three US marines on Friday before an Afghan civilian killed three others in Helmand province.

Roadside bomb kills eight outside Kabul - 07 August 2012:

At least eight civilians have been killed after a roadside bomb hit a minibus outside the capital, Kabul.  The remote-controlled device is believed to have been targeting a bus carrying members of the Afghan National Army.  A man believed to be responsible for planting the device has been arrested.

Five killed in Kabul gun battle - 02 August 2012:

Five insurgents have been killed in a gun battle with security forces in central Kabul.  The clashes took place after security personnel raided a house in the east of the city.

Afghan police defect to Taliban - 24 July 2012:

An Afghan police commander and 13 junior officers have defected to the Taliban in the western province of Farah.  The officers are reported to have taken heavy weaponry, radios and police vehicles with them.

Herat police officer kills foreign contractors - 22 July 2012:

An Afghan police officer has shot dead three foreign contractors at a training centre in the western Herat province.  The attacker was later killed by members of the US-led international force ISAF.

Afghan MP killed in suicide bomb attack - 14 July 2012:

A prominent Afghan MP has been killed by a suicide bomb attack in the northern province of Samangan.  Ahmed Khan Samangani was attending a wedding party for his daughter in the town of Aybak when the incident happened.

Suicide bombers launch attacks in Kandahar - 09 July 2012:

At least 19 people have been killed and 39 others wounded in a series of suicide bomb attack in the southern province of Kandahar.  In total four separate bombing and shooting attacks were reported in the region.

Six NATO soldiers killed by roadside bomb - 08 July 2012:

Six NATO soldiers have been killed by a roadside bomb in eastern Afghanistan,  At least 14 civilians were also killed in separate attacks in the southern province of Kandahar.

Suicide bomb kills seven in Kandahar - 02 July 2012:

At least seven people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in the southern city of Kandahar.  The attacker drove a car packed with explosives into another vehicle outside Kandahar university.

British soldiers killed by Afghan police officer - 02 July 2012:

An Afghan police officer has shot dead three British soldiers in the southern province of Helmand.  The troops came under fire at a checkpoint in Nahr-e-Saraj where they were scheduled to meet local tribal elders.  The total number of foreign troops killed in 2012 now stands at 215.

Taliban attacks Kabul hotel - 22 June 2012:

Taliban militants have attacked a hotel on the outskirts of Kabul, leaving 15 civilians and five insurgents dead.  Afghan security forces ended the raid after a 12-hour gun battle with the militants at the Spozhami Hotel in the Lake Qargha area.

Suicide bomber attacks NATO convoy in Khost - 20 June 2012:

At least 17 people have been killed after a suicide bomber on a motorbike attacked a NATO convoy in the eastern city of Khost.  A further 36 people were reportedly wounded in the blast, many of them civilians.

Multiple attacks reported in southern Afghanistan - 19 June 2012:

A NATO base in Kandahar province has been attacked by a group of seven militants.  An ISAF spokesman has said that all of the attackers were killed.  Elsewhere three police officers were killed during a gun battle at a checkpoint in the Zhari province.

NATO soldier shot dead in eastern Afghanistan - 19 June 2012:

A NATO soldier has been shot dead in eastern Afghanistan by three men in Afghan police uniform. NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is investigating the incident.

Afghan police killed in Kapisa province - 18 June 2012:

A suicide bomb attack has killed four police officers and five civilians in the eastern province of Kapisa.  The local police commander was among the dead following the blast at a bazaar in the city of Tagab.

More than 80 killed in Baghlan landslide - 12 June 2012:

More than 80 people have been killed by a landslide in the northern province of Baghlan.  An entire village was buried when part of a mountain collapsed in the Bokra district.  The landslide was caused by two earthquakes of around 5.4 magnitude.

Suicide bomb kills 22 in Kandahar - 06 June 2012:

At least 22 people have been killed by a suicide bomb attack in the southern city of Kandahar.  A further 50 were wounded in the blast, which was carried out by two Taliban militants.

Kidnapped aid workers released in Afghanistan - 02 June 2012:

The four aid workers kidnapped on 22 May have been released.  A British woman. a Kenyan and two Afghans were rescued in the Badakhstan province during a military operation.  Five kidnappers were killed in the raid.

Suicide bomber targets NATO base - 01 June 2012:

A suicide bomber has attacked a NATO base in the eastern province of Khost.  At least 14 Taliban militants were reportedly killed during in the attack.  No NATO casualties have been reported.

Police killed in Kandahar suicide bomb attack - 31 May 2012:

Five police officers have been killed by a suicide bomb attack in the southern province of Kandahar.  The bomber drove a car packed with explosives into a checkpoint in the police headquarters.

Al-Qaeda leader killed in Afghanistan - 29 May 2012:

A senior al-Qadea commander has been killed in an air raid close to the Pakistani border, according to UN sources.  Saudi-born Sakhr al-Taifi, who died in the Watahpur district of Kunar province, has been described as the militant organisation's second highest leader.

Foreign nationals kidnapped from north-east - 23 May 2012:

Two foreign nationals have been kidnapped from the north-eastern province of Badakhstan.  An African and a European woman, working for the Med Air organisation, we're captured between the districts of Ragestan and Yaftal.

Suicide blast kills 10 at Khost checkpoint - 19 May 2012:

At least 13 people have been killed after a suicide bomber attack a checkpoint in the eastern province of Khost.  The assailant fired at a security guard before detonating the bomb in the Ali Sher district.  Three police officers and two children are reported to be amongst the dead.

Suicide bomb attack kills seven in Farah - 17 May 2012:

At least seven people, including six police officers, have been killed in a suicide bomb attack on a compound in western Afghanistan.  Four militants were killed in the raid in Farah province, close to the border with Iran.

Market bomb in kills nine in Faryab province - 14 May 2012:

At least nine people have been killed after a bomb exploded at a market in the northern province of Faryab.  The device is reported to have been remotely detonated, and no group have yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

Afghan police shoot UK soldiers in Helmand - 13 May 2012:

Two British soldiers have been shot dead by a group of Afghan police officers in Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province.  The soldiers had been providing security at an army base in the area.

Peace negotiator shot dead in Kabul - 13 May 2012:

A senior Afghan peace negotiator has been shot dead by unknown gunmen in Kabul.  Maulvi Arsala Rahmani, a senior member of Afghanistan's High Peace Council, was killed when gunmen opened fire on his car while he was stuck in traffic.

Six killed in Kabul bombing - 02 May 2012:

At least six people have been killed in a series of explosions in the capital Kabul.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Roadside bomb kill 10 police in Wardak - 28 April 2012:

At least 10 police officers have been killed after the vehicle they were travelling in hit a roadside bomb in the Chak district of Wardak province.  Taliban militants later claimed responsibility for the attack.

Taliban launch attacks on Kabul - 15 April 2012:

Taliban militants have carried out a series of attacks on government and Western buildings in the capital Kabul.  The Kabul Star hotel, situated close to a US military base and UN office, was attacked by suicide bombers who have now taken control of the building.  The British and German embassies have also been targeted in coordinated militant attacks.

Faryab suicide bombing kills 10 - 04 April 2012:

At least 10 people have been killed after a suicide bomb exploded in the town of Maymana in Faryab province.  Several NATO soldiers are reported to be amongst the dead.

14 militants killed during security operations - 28 March 2012:

A press release from the Afghan interior ministry claim that 14 militants have been killed following military operations in the past 24-hours.  

Roadside bomb kills 13 in Uruzgan - 16 March 2012:

At least 13 people have been killed after the vehicle they were travelling in hit a roadside bomb in the southern province of Uruzgan.  The victims, nine children and four women, were travelling near the district of Dehrawod when the device exploded.

Afghan delegation attacked at site of massacre - 13 March 2012:

A delegation of officials from the Afghan government has been attacked at the site where a rogue US soldier shot dead 16 civilians at the weekend.  Militants opened fire at the group, which included two of President Karzai's brothers, leaving one soldier and three protesters dead.

Rogue US soldier kills 16 civilians - 11 March 2012:

A rogue US soldier has shot dead at least 16 Afghan civilians in the southern province of Kandahar.  Nine children and three women were amongst the dead, according to a statement from President Karzai.  The attacks took place in a village near a US military base in the Panjwai district.

UK soldiers killed in Helmand province - 07 March 2012:

Six UK soldiers are feared to have been killed after their armoured Warrior vehicle was hit by an explosive device in the southern province of Helmand. 

Bomb kills four in Kandahar - 07 March 2012:

At least four people have been killed and a further 10 wounded after a bomb exploded at a police post in Kandahar.  The bomb was reportedly planted on to a motorbike in the town of Spin Boldak, close to the Pakistani border.

NATO soldiers shot dead in southern Afghanistan - 01 March 2012:

Two NATO soldiers have been shot dead by two Afghan nationals in the southern city of Kandahar.  One of the assailants is reported to have been a member of the Afghan army.

Suicide bombing kills nine in Jalalabad - 27 February 2012:

At least nine people have been killed in a suicide car bomb attack in Jalalabad.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming that it was carried out in 'revenge' for the burning of Korans at Bagram airbase last week.

NATO withdraws from Afghan ministries - 25 February 2012:

NATO has withdrawn all of its staff from Afghan ministries following the death of two senior offices.  A US colonel and a major were shot dead by an unknown gunman at the Afghan interior ministry in Kabul.  The incident follows five days of violent protests by local Afghans, angered at the burning of Korans at a US air base.

Six dead as Koran protests spread - 22 February 2012:

At least six people have been killed during renewed protests against the burning of a Koran at Bagram airbase.  The Islamic holy books were put in an incinerator at the base after officials believed prisoners were using them to spread messages to other inmates. 

NATO apologises for burning of Koran - 21 February 2012:

US commander General John R Allen has apologised after reports emerged that NATO troops burnt a copy of the Koran.  A large protest gathered outside the US airbase in Bagram in response to the news.

Kandahar bomb attack kills nine - 05 February 2012:

At least nine people have been killed by a car bomb attack in the southern city of Kandahar.  A further 19 people were wounded in the blast, which targeted a police building in the city.

Taliban kidnap Afghan peace council member - 30 January 2012:

The Taliban have kidnapped a member of Afghanistan's peace council from the Asmar district of Kunar province.  Mavlawi Shafihullah Shafih had travelled from Kabul to encourage insurgents to join peace talks with President Karzai.

French troops shot dead by Afghan soldier - 20 January 2012:

Four French soldiers have been killed after an Afghan National Army soldiers opened fire on them.  A further 16 members of the French armed forces were wounded in the attack.

Suicide bomber kills seven civilians in Kandahar - 19 January 2012:

A suicide bomber has killed at least seven civilians in the southern city of Kandahar.  The attack had targeted a NATO convoy outside of the city's international airport.

Karzai slams video of US marines desecrating Taliban corpses - 12 January 2012:

The Afghan President Hamid Karzai has condemned a video which appears to show US Marines urinating on the corpses of Taliban fighters.  The Marines have vowed to investigate the incident, however retaliatory attacks are likely.

Helmand roadside bomb kills 10 police - 29 December 2011:

At least 10 police officers have been killed by a roadside bomb in Helmand province.  The Taliban have taken responsibility for the attack.

Militants attack Kabul police station - 16 December 2011:

A group of militants have attacked a police station in a western suburb of Kabul.  A suicide bomb and a series of gun battles have been reported at the site, however no reports on casualties has been released.

Roadside bombing in Helmand leaves 19 dead - 07 December 2011:

At least 19 people have been killed after a roadside bombing in the southern province of Helmand.  The deaths come a day after 59 people were killed in twin attacks in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif.

Shia shrine targeted by suicide bomb attack - 06 December 2011:

At least 55 people have been killed after a suicide bomber attacked a Shia shrine in the capital Kabul.  A separate blast occurred in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, killing four people.  Today is Ashura, a holy day for Shia Muslims and a national holiday in Afghanistan.

Suicide bombers attack governor's office - 10 November 2011:

At least four Afghan security guards have been killed after suicide bombers attacked the offices of the governor of Paktia province.  Members of the government were holding a meeting with NATO officials at the time of the attack.

Dozens of Taliban killed in Paktika province - 09 November 2011:

Around 60 Taliban militants are reported to have been killed while attacking a NATO outpost in the eastern province of Paktika.  No International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops were killed or injured in the incident.

Roadside bomb kills 11 in north-west - 08 November 2011:

A roadside bomb has killed at least 11 people in the north-west province of Badghis.  The blast hit a police vehicle, killing two police officers and nine members of the same family.

Suicide blast kills seven in Baghlan - 06 November 2011:

At least seven people have been killed by a suicide bomb attack outside a mosque in the northern province of Baghlan.  The blast occurred as people were leaving the mosque after prayers for the Muslin festival of Eid.

Militants launch attack on city of Herat - 03 November 2011:

Militants have launched an attack on a private construction company in the western city of Herat, killing two guards and wounding at least four others.  NATO handed security control of Herat over to Afghan forces in July.

Car bomb kills five in Kandahar - 31 October 2011:

At least five people have been killed by a suicide car bomb attack in the southern city of Kandahar.  The explosion occurred at a checkpoint near the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) offices.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Suicide bomber targets ISAF convoy - 29 October 2011:

At least 17 people have been killed after a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle packed with explosives into an ISAF convoy in Kabul.  Among the dead were 13 foreign personnel of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.

Fuel tanker bombing kills 12 in Bagram - 26 October 2011:

At least 12 people have been killed after a bomb attached to a fuel tanker exploded in Bagram in northern Afghanistan.  Another 33 were reported to have been injured in the blast.  Parwan province's governor, Basir Salangi, said it was a "terrorist attack" intended to exploded at Bagram air base, the largest base for US forces in Afghanistan.

Deadly attack at CIA Kabul office - 27 September 2011:

An Afghan embassy worker has killed a US employee and injured another at the Central Intelligence Agency office in Kabul.  The assailant was also killed in the attack.

Taliban attacks US embassy in Kabul - 13 September 2011:

Taliban militants have carried out a series of attacks in the capital, Kabul, including an assault on the US embassy.  Rockets have also been fired at NATO headquarters and other official buildings in the city.  At least six people have been killed and 16 wounded in the attack.

Truck bomb injures 77 UN troops in Wardak - 11 September 2011:

A suicide truck bombing has injured 77 UN troops and killed two Afghan civilians in the eastern province of Wardak.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred on the 10 year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in the US.

Pakistani boys kidnapped by Taliban - 03 September 2011:

A group of around 30 young Pakistani boys have been kidnapped by the Afghan Taliban after mistakenly crossing over the border.  A Taliban spokesman claims that the group have been taken "as punishment for their parents and tribal elder who are helping the government fighters".

Taliban border raids kill 25 - 27 August 2011:

At least 25 Pakistani soldiers have been killed after around 200 Taliban fighters crossed into the northern Chitral district from Afghanistan.  Pakistan's military said in a statement that its troops had killed around 20 of the attackers, with the rest fleeing back over the border.

German aid workers feared kidnapped in Afghanistan - 23 August 2011:

Two German aid workers are believed to have been kidnapped from the mountains surrounding the Salang Pass, north of Kabul.  The German foreign minister has said that German and Afghan officials are "intensively" looking for the pair.

Taliban militants storm British compound in Kabul - 19 August 2011:

At least eight people have been killed after Taliban militants attacked the British Council office in Kabul. Three suicide bomb attacks were reported before militants stormed the compound, exchanging fire with Afghan police.  The Taliban claim that the attack was carried out to mark Afghanistan's independence from the UK in 1919.

Separate bomb attacks kill 24 across Afghanistan - 18 August 2011:

A roadside bomb has killed 22 people travelling in a minibus between the district of Obe and the provincial capital Herat city in western Afghanistan.  In the eastern province of Paktia a suicide bomber killed two Afghan guards at a US-run military base.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Seven killed by motorcycle bomb in Uruzgan - 16 August 2011:

Seven people have been killed after a motorcycle bomb exploded in a busy market in Uruzgan province in southern Afghanistan.  The attack took place at around 1830 as local people were preparing to end their daily fasts for Ramadan.

Taliban attack kills 19 in Parwan - 14 August 2011:

At least 19 people have been killed after Taliban militants attacked the provincial governor's compound in Parwan.  Up to six suicide bombers are reported to have carried out the attack, including a suicide car bomb.

Roadside bomb kills five NATO troops - 11 August 2011:

A roadside bomb has killed five NATO troops in southern Afghanistan, according to a International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) spokesman.  No other details, including the exact location of the incident, were released.

Afghan police clash with NATO troops - 10 August 2011:

NATO forces have clashed with Afghan police officers in Kandahar province, leaving four police dead and another four wounded.  A firefight broke out in the Arghandab district just outside of Kandahar City. A NATO spokesman has said that the cause of the clashes is being investigated.

Helicopter crash kills 31 US troops - 06 August 2011:

A NATO helicopter has crashed during anti-Taliban operations in the eastern province of Wardak, killing 31 US special forces personnel and seven Afghan troops.  A Taliban spokesman has claimed responsibility for the crash, however the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) have yet to verify these claims.

Car bomb kills intelligence official in Kunduz - 04 August 2011:

A car bomb has exploded in the northern city of Kunduz, killing a local head of intelligence.  Three civilians were also injured in the blast, which occurred only two days after a suicide attack killed four security guards in the city.

Suicide bomber kills four in Kunduz - 02 August 2011:

Four private security guards have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in the northern city of Kunduz.  Nine people were also wounded when two militants stormed a building and exchanged fire with security forces.  The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

Suicide attack kills 13 in Lashkar Gah - 31 July 2011:

The Taliban have claimed responsibility for a suicide attack which has killed 13 people in the southern city of Lashkar Gah.  The attack took place at a police headquarters in the city and 12 of the dead were police officers.

Civilians killed in roadside bombings - 29 July 2011:

At least 23 civilians have been killed in two roadside bombings in the southern Helmand province.  In the Nahr-e-Saraj district 19 people died when the minibus they were travelling in hit a mine while in Garmsir district four people died when a tractor hit a roadside bomb.

Insurgents carry out attacks in Tarin Kowt - 28 July 2011:

Taliban insurgents have carried out a gun and suicide bomb attack  in the central town of Tarin Kowt in Uruzgan province.  At least 22 people have been killed in the attacks and Afghan security forces are battling the insurgents throughout the town.

Mayor of Kandahar killed in suicide bombing - 27 July 2011:

Whilst attending a meeting and attempting to resolve a land dispute at a town hall in Kandahar, the Mayor, Ghulam Haidai Hameedi, was killed in an explosion.  The suicide bomber apparently managed to avoid suspicion by carrying the explosives inside his turban.

Clashes in Helmand province kill 24 - 26 July 2011:

At least 22 insurgents and two Afghan police officers have been killed in clashes in the volatile south-west province of Helmand.  In a separate incident in the province two civilians were killed by a roadside bomb. 

NATO hands over power in Lashkar Gah - 20 July 2011:

NATO forces have handed over power to Afghan security forces in the volatile city of Lashkar Gah in Helmand province.  NATO have recently handed over power in the province of Bamiyan and the eastern town of Mehtar Lam.

Three Afghan police killed in Kandahar gun battle - 20 July 2011:

At least three police officers have been killed in a fierce gun battle between Afghan police and insurgents in the city of Kandahar.  Two insurgents are also reported to have been killed in the clashes.

Brother of President Karzai assassinated in Kandahar - 12 July 2011:

Ahmad Wali Karzai, half-brother to the Afghan President Hamid Karzai, has been assassinated by his head of security in Kandahar.  The motives behind the killing remain unclear, however the Taliban have released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack.

Pakistani Taliban attack border checkpoints - 06 July 2011:

At least 33 border police officers have been killed after Pakistani Taliban militants launched a sustained attack on a number of checkpoints in north-eastern Afghanistan.  The Nuristan provincial governor said that around 40 rebels were also killed in the clashes, along with five civilians.

Roadside bomb kills 11 in Zabul province - 02 July 2011:

At least 11 people, all members of the same family, have been killed after the minibus they were travelling in struck a roadside bomb in the southern Zabul province of Afghanistan.  The province borders Pakistan and Taliban militants are known to be active in the area.

Roadside bomb kills 20 in south-west Afghanistan - 30 June 2011:

At least 20 people have been killed after a bus hit a roadside bomb in Nimroz province.  The incident took place in the Khash Rod District and more than 30 people were injured in the blast.  The local police chief has blamed the Taliban for the attack.

Taliban assault on Kabul hotel kills 10 - 29 June 2011:

Taliban militants have attacked the Hotel Inter-Continental in Kabul, killing at least 11 civilians and two police officers.  NATO helicopters were called in to help to end the assault which lasted for more than five hours.

Dozens killed by hospital blast - 25 June 2011:

At least 35 people have been killed after a suicide bomb attack on a clinic in eastern Afghanistan.  The blast caused the Akbarkhail Public Medical Centre to collapse, leaving patients and medical staff buried under the rubble.  The Taliban have denied carrying out the attack.

Suicide bomb kills three in Kunduz province - 20 June 2011:

At least three civilians have been killed and 11 more injured after a suicide  car bomb exploded in Kunduz province.  A statement from the interior ministry has blamed the Taliban for the attacks, however the group have yet to claim responsibility.

Militants carry out cross-border attack - 16 June 2011:

A group of around 250 armed militants from Afghanistan have attacked a village in Pakistan's tribal belt.  At least five civilians were killed in the raid on the village of Mamoond in Bajaur district.

Suicide car bomb kills seven - 15 June 2011:

At least seven people have been killed by a suicide car bombing in central Afghanistan.  The attack, which was carried out by the Taliban, targeted senior government officials.  Rockets were fired at the the vice president and interior minister, who both escaped unhurt.

Bomb attack kills four NATO soldiers - 04 June 2011:

A bomb attack in eastern Afghanistan has killed four soldiers from NATO's US-Led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).  The latest attack brings the total number of international troops killed in Afghanistan this year to 224.

Taliban militants attack western city of Herat - 30 May 2011:

Taliban militants have carried out a series of attacks in the western city of Herat.  At least five people were killed and dozens more injured in the attacks, which included an assault on a NATO base in the city.

Civilians killed in NATO air strike - 29 May 2011:

At least 14 civilians have been killed by a NATO air strike in the southern Helmand province.  Afghan authorities claim that more than 50 people have been killed by NATO air strikes over the weekend.

Police commander killed by suicide bomb - 29 May 2011:

The police commander for northern Afghanistan has been killed by in a suicide bomb attack in Takhar.  At least five other people were killed in the blast, including two German soldiers.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Roadside bomb kills nine NATO soldiers - 26 May 2011:

Nine NATO soldiers have been killed by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan.  Two Afghan police officers were also killed in the blast which occurred in the Shorabak district of Kandahar province.  

Suicide bomber kills four civilians in eastern Afghanistan - 23 May 2011:

A suicide bomber has killed at least four civilians and injured 14 more in a remote part of eastern Afghanistan.  The attack took place in the the town of Najeel Khail in Laghman province.

Suicide bomber attacks Kabul hospital - 21 May 2011:

At least six people, all medical students, have been killed after a suicide bombing at a military hospital in Kabul.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack.  

Taliban kill 35 construction workers in south-east - 19 May 2011:

Taliban insurgents have shot dead at least 35 construction workers and injured dozens more in the south-east of Afghanistan.  The ambush took place on a highway linking the Paktia and Khost provinces.  

13 killed in Jalalabad suicide blast - 18 May 2011:

At least 13 people have been killed by a suicide bomber in the city of Jalalabad.  The bomber targeted a minibus carrying police cadets in the east of the city.

Anti-NATO protests leave 11 dead - 18 May 2011:

At least 11 people have been killed following violent anti-NATO protests in Taloqan in the north-eastern Takhar province.  The demonstrations were in a response to NATO killing four people in an overnight raid in the town.

NATO soldiers killed by Afghan police officer - 13 May 2011:

Two NATO soldiers have been shot dead by an Afghan police officer in the southwestern Helmand province.  The attack happened in a police compound where the soldiers were mentoring an Afghan National Civil Order brigade.

Taliban attacks leave 80 dead in Pakistan - 13 May 2011:

At least 80 people have been killed and more than 120 injured after the Taliban carried out twin bomb attacks in north-western Pakistan.  The Taliban have claimed that the suicide bomb attacks on a paramilitary training centre were the "first revenge" for the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

Taliban fighters attack police checkpoints in Nuristan - 10 May 2011:

Large groups of Taliban fighters have attacked police checkpoints in the remote Nuristan province in northeastern Afghanistan.  Around 400 fighters armed with AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades are reported to have taken place in the attack.

Police officers killed in ambush attack - 09 May 2011:

At least six Afghan police officers have been killed in an ambush by militants in Ghazni province.  The officers were targeted by a roadside bomb before coming under heavy gunfire. 

Taliban fighters attack Kandahar - 07 May 2011:

Taliban fighters have carried out a series of attacks in Kandahar in an attempt to take control of the city. The Afghan security forces have been battling militants throughout the city and at least five people have been killed and more than 40 injured in the fighting. 

Twenty five fighters killed by Afghan security forces - 03 May 2011:

Up to twenty five foreign fighters have been killed by Afghan security forces after they had crossed into the country from neighbouring Pakistan.  The fighters, who were killed in the Barg-e-Matal district of Nuristan, are reported to include Arabs, Chechens and Pakistanis.

Osama Bin Laden killed in Pakistan - 02 May 2011:

Osama Bin Laden, founder of the al-Qaeda terrorist organisation, has been killed by US security forces in Pakistan.  The US president, Barack Obama, has said that Bin Laden  was shot dead at a compound near Islamabad. 

Child suicide bomber kills four in east Afghanistan - 01 May 2011:

At least four people have been killed by a suicide bomber who was reported to be around 12-years old.  The attack took place in a market in Paktika province in the east of Afghanistan.

Afghan army officer kills six US soldiers - 27 April 2011:

Six US soldiers have been shot dead by an Afghan army officer at an air force base in Kabul.  According to General Mohammad Zahir Azimi an argument broke out at the airbase and the gunman was also killed in the incident.  The Taliban claim that the army officer was one of its members.

Iranian nationals kidnapped in western Afghanistan - 19 April 2011:

At least twelve Iranian engineers have been kidnapped from a remote area of western Afghanistan, along with five of their Afghan colleagues.  The group were taken at gunmen in the Farah province, close to the border with Iran.  A Taliban spokesman has denied that the group had any involvement in the kidnapping.

Attack on Kabul defence ministry kills two - 18 April 2011:

A man dressed in army uniform has killed at least two soldiers and injured several others in an attack on the Afghan defence ministry in Kabul.  The attacker was reportedly shot dead by bodyguards of the chief-of-staff on the second floor of the building.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Suicide bomb attack claims nine lives - 16 April 2011:

A suicide bomb attack on a military base in the eastern province of Laghmam has killed nine people, including four Afghan soldiers.  The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) confirmed that five of its personnel had been killed in the attack.

Kandahar police chief killed by suicide bomber - 15 April 2011:

The chief of police in the southern Kandahar province has been killed by a suicide bomb attack on his headquarters.  At least two other senior police officers were killed in the attack in the provincial capital Kandahar city.

Police killed in suicide bomb attack - 14 April 2011:

At least three Afghan police officers have been killed by a suicide bomb attack in the Paktia province.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack, along with two more suicide attacks  which have been reported in Kabul and Kandahar.

Suicide bomber kills tribal elders in eastern Afghanistan - 13 April 2011:

At least 10 people have been killed by a suicide bomber in eastern Afghanistan.  The dead included the pro-government tribal elder Haji Malik Zarin, a close ally of President Karzai.

Security officers killed in deadly Taliban raid - 07 April 2011:

Six members of the Afghan security forces have been killed in a co-ordinated suicide bomb and armed attack by Taliban militants in Kandahar.  The raid began when four suicide bombers stormed a police complex in the city, before militants armed with assault rifles and RPGs continued the attack.  At least six militants are reported to have been killed in the incident.

Quran burning protests continue in Afghanistan - 04 April 2011:

Protests inspired by the burning of a Quran in the US have continued for a fourth day in Afghanistan.  Around 20 people have been killed and more than 150 injured in the unrest so far.

UN Staff killed by angry protesters - 01 April 2011:

At least 11 people have been killed in northern Afghanistan after an angry mob attacked a UN mission in Mazar-e-Sharif.  The rioters were protesting the burning of a Quran in the US State of Florida when they attacked the mission, brutally killing seven UN employees.

Scores killed by suicide attack in Paktika province - 28 March 2011:

At least 20 people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack on a construction company in the eastern province of Paktika.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place on Sunday in the Bermel district.

Afghan police kidnapped in Kunar province - 27 March 2011:

A convoy of around 50 police officers are reported to have been abducted by Taliban gunmen in northeastern Afghanistan.  The group, who had recently completed training and were off-duty, were attacked in the Chapa Dara district of Kunar province.

Suicide bombing kills dozens at army office - 14 March 2011:

At least 36 people have been killed by a suicide bomber at an army recruitment office in northern Afghanistan.  More than 40 people are believed to have been injured in the blast in the city of Kunduz, which is the latest in a series of targeted attacks against Afghan security forces.

Roadside bomb kills two police officers in eastern Afghanistan - 07 March 2011:

A roadside bomb has killed two police officers in the eastern city of Jalalabad and injured another 25 people.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack which had specifically targeted the police.

Car bomb targets police officers near Pakistan border - 24 February 2011:

A car bomb has injured at least 24 people in the border town of Spin Boldak.  Eight of the injured were reportedly members of the Afghan security services.

Suicide bomber kills 30 in Kunduz - 21 February 2011:

At least 30 people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in the northern Kunduz province.  The Taliban-led attack targeted a government building where people were queuing to collect identity cards.  

Taliban target police headquarters in Kandahar - 12 February 2011:

A Taliban attack on a police headquarters has killed at least 19 people, including 15 police officers, in the southern city of Kandahar.  Dozens of people are reported to have been injured in the attack, which lasted for several hours.

Eight killed in Kabul diplomatic district - 29 January 2011:

An explosion has killed at least eight people in a supermarket frequented by Westerners in Kabul.  The Taliban are believed to be responsible for the attack on the supermarket, which is situated close to the British and Canadian embassies.

Roadside bomb kills 13 in eastern Paktika Province - 19 January 2011:

At least 13 people have been killed by a roadside bomb in Paktika Province.  Five border police have also been killed in neighbouring Zabul Province, close to the border with Pakistan.

Suicide bomber targets intelligence service staff - 12 January 2011:

Four people are reported to have been killed, with more than 30 injured, after a suicide attack on a minibus carry intelligence service staff in Kabul.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Six NATO soldiers killed near Kandahar - 12 December 2010:

Six US soldiers have been killed by a suicide bomb attack at a checkpoint in the Zari district of Afghanistan.  The troops were operating under the NATO led International Security Assistance Force.

Roadside bomb kills 15 civilians - 11 December 2010:

At least 15 people have been killed by a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan.  The blast occurred near the Khansheen district of Helmand province.

Gunmen kidnap nine security guards in Kabul - 30 November 2010:

Unknown gunmen have kidnapped nine security personnel working for a road construction company in the Kabul province.

Suicide bombers kill 12 at Afghan police HQ - 29 November 2010:

Two suicide bombers have killed 12 police officers at an Afghan police headquarters in the eastern Paktika province, close to the border with Pakistan.

Taliban attacks kill 13 Afghan troops - 10 November 2010:

Taliban militants have killed at least 13 Afghan soldiers in a series of deadly attacks.  Seven soldiers were killed in an overnight attack in the Oruzgan province and four soldiers were killed in an ambush in the northern province of Konduz.

Suicide bomb kills 12 - 07 November 2010:

A suicide bomber has killed 12 people and injured at least 26 others in the northern Faryab province.  The attack took place at a busy market in the Khoja Sabz Posh district.

Afghanistan Data Sheet

 

Population: 30.4 million

Major Religion/s: : Islam

International dialling code: +93

International dialling prefix: 00

Emergency services: None currently in operation

Drives: Right

Voltage: 220V

Climate: Semi-arid steppe climate, extremely cold winters and hot summers.

Other Major Cities: Kabul, Herat, Jalalabad, Kandahar and Mazar-e Sharif.

Borders: Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China and Pakistan.

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