BBC: Militants Attack Afghan Intelligence Base

Afghanistan’s citizens have reason to worry about security. The United States signaled plans in December to reduce its troop presence and has met with the Taliban for peace talks in Qatar without the Afghan government’s participation. Still, Taliban attacks continue. Extremists attacked an intelligence security base near Kabul, with car bombs, suicide bombers and gunmen, killing more than 40 and injured more than 50. “It is one of the deadliest attacks on the secret service and follows a string of battlefield setbacks for the army,” reports BBC News. “Reports say the base in Maidan Shahr, about 30km (19 miles) south-west of Kabul, is a training centre for pro-government militia members.” The Taliban used brutal tactics in ruling Afghanistan from 1996 to late 2001, with a US-led invasion ending that reign. The Taliban as a minority group burdens the entire country with its extremist ideology: BBC reports have previously suggested that the Taliban control 4 percent of the country and have an active presence in about 70 percent of the country. – YaleGlobal