The Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the killing of two New Zealand troops in Bamiyan on Saturday, August 04. Four agents of National Directorate of Security (NDS) were also killed in the gunfight between security forces and militants. The attack was launched on NDS operatives in Shibar District of Bamiyan. They had received word about a large cache of weapons and explosives in the area and came under attack during a search operation. They requested help from New Zealand troops, and they also came under fire.

With Saturday's deaths—the highest toll of Kiwi troops in a single battle—the total martyrs from New Zealand troops reached seven since their arrival in Afghanistan in 2001. There are about 150 troops stationed in the most peaceful province since 2003.

Several Taliban terrorists were killed in Saturday's battle in Shibar. The operation was against a Taliban commander Khwaja Abdullah and his men. Two, including Khwaja's brother, have been arrested by Kiwi troops and they will be handed over to Afghan forces.

Bamiyan is known as the safest province of Afghanistan, where the small number of New Zealand troops have been deployed since 2003 and insurgents have only been able to manage rare attacks on ISAF and Afghan forces. These ambushes and IED attacks are particularly in Shibar and Saighan districts, which border Baghlan.

Bamiyan was the first province to be fully transitioned to the control of Afghan security forces from ISAF troops. Militants have been able to carry sophisticated attacks in recent months. Last month in July, the news of ambush on police officials shocked all, marking the worst attack in Bamiyan killing several.

The New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team has been in Bamyan since September 2003, supporting the provincial government and maintaining security and stability in the Hazarajat region, besides continuing different development projects and humanitarian assistance. During this period, there has not been any incident of major attack other than some small ambushes or bomb blasts.

Though there has been a spike in attacks since last couple of months, militants have failed to launch any major attack. And almost all cases of insecurity and militant presence are limited to the bordering districts of Shibar and Siaghan, where some local militant commanders with past Taliban connections are being used to mark isurgent-presence in the safest province of the country.

Particularly after the security transition to Afghan forces, Taliban have specifically focused on areas where they have no traditional hideouts and strongholds, to show the scale and reach of the insurgency. With the local population welcoming and appreciative of the ISAF troops, Taliban have failed to make a serious presence.

Symbolic attacks are part of the countrywide strategy to propagate the expansion of insurgency and intimidate masses in areas where they are supportive of the international troops and Afghan Government. Last, 11 people were slaughtered on the Kabul-Bamiyan road in Jalred District of Maidan Wardak. It was aimed at terrifying the local population in Bamiyan against their animosity with Taliban.

ISAF should launch special operations in Shibar and Saighan districts to clear it from insurgents. New Zealand security officials have said Saturday's tragic deaths will not alter the country's plan to withdrawal troops earlier.