This threat assessment looks at the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan in 2008. Insurgent attacks, primarily carried out by the Taliban, against ISAF and OEF have received plenty of media coverage and have encouraged a timely and public debate on the situation in Afghanistan.

However, the increase of deliberate attacks on Western NGOs, humanitarian workers and other civilian contractors working in non-military fields is also cause for concern, and seems less reported than military engagements. As the article illustrates, attacks are up and there is evidence that the Taliban has realized that the targeting of humanitarian experts has severely impacted on the international community’s ability to provide much needed reconstruction to ordinary Afghans.<

The article briefly describes a range of security incidents and outlines the tactical means utilized, such as suicide bombings and assassinations, to deter humanitarian workers from carrying their duties. The changes in the humanitarian environment, and the operational as well as the strategic effects of this development, are also analysed.

The article concludes that the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan is expected to have a negative impact on the international community’s capability to conduct successful COIN and reconstruction efforts in the future.

This threat assessment complements previous Guardian publications on the role and conduct of private sector security companies in conflicts areas. The other side of the story is represented by the perspectives and actions of the insurgents active in the same area, in this case the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Read more about The Taliban and humanitarian targets in Afghanistan from the link below.