The Taliban announced the beginning of their “Spring offensive” last week, and it began in earnest today, with a major attack in the city of Jalalabad leaving at least 10 people dead, and other attacks reportedly on the outskirts of Kabul.
The Taliban statement said this year’s offensive would focus on foreigners in the country as well as the Afghan government and its employees. The Jalalabad attack targeted a Justice Ministry building.
The attacks around Kabul focused on military buildings, and rockets were fired against a military compound near the airport. The exact toll of this incident was unclear.
The Taliban said the Justice Ministry attack was retaliation for harsh rulings against captured Taliban. The attacks appear to be timed to destabilize the nation in the lead-up to the presidential runoff.