Taliban Kill Three, Wound 17 in North Afghanistan Bombings

A pair of vehicle bombings in northern Balkh Province, Afghanistan, killed at least three people and wounded 17 others. The attack targeted and wounded local anti-Taliban commander Nazar Gul.

The Taliban confirmed that they were behind the attacks. Indications are that the casualties were security forces.

The Taliban have been active in Balkh for quite some time. Unlike some provinces, the Balkh Taliban mostly attack security targets and government infrastructure. Attacks on civilian targets are comparatively rare.

Attacks on security forces are still looming large over intra-Afghan peace talks. Both sides have pushed for a ceasefire, but still without much progress toward that end.