At approximately 1100 local time (0630 UTC) on 13 July 2020, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated in front of the provincial headquarters of the National Directorate of Security in the town of Samangan (also called Aybak) in Samangan province. Reports indicate that a number of assailants launched an attack against security forces, and heavy gunfire was reported in the area. Local authorities stated that there were at least 11 fatalities, and that 63 casualties were transported to nearby hospitals, but their conditions remain unknown. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.
Overnight on 12-13 July, dozens of suspected Taliban insurgents launched separate attacks against Afghan military checkpoints in the Arghanjkhwa district of Badakhshan province and the Imam Sahib district in Kunduz province. Afghan security forces repulsed both attacks after almost nine hours of fighting. At least 13 Afghan soldiers and police officers were killed and 11 were wounded in the attacks.
