Afghanistan: Car bomb attack against NATO convoy in Kabul May 3

Event

Early on Wednesday, May 3, a car bombing reportedly targeting a NATO convoy killed at least nine people and injured 28 others in the capital Kabul. Three United States servicemen were reportedly wounded in the attack. Reports indicate that various individuals remain in critical condition and that most of the victims are civilians. The attack occurred near a National Defence Security (NDS) checkpoint on Shash Darak Road in the central Macroyan neighborhood, in an area not far from the US Embassy and a compound used by the NATO-led Resolute Support mission. The armored personnel carriers, which are designed to resist large blasts, suffered minor damages and were able to return to the base. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but the Taliban are likely culprits. The city is on high alert.

Context

The attack comes several days after the Taliban announced the official start of their yearly spring offensive on Friday, April 2, against the presence of foreign troops in Afghanistan. The announcement states the group will mainly focus on targeting foreign troops, other foreign nationals present in the country, the Afghan military, and intelligence services. The group continues to justify attacks on soft and civilian targets by claiming the victims are linked with foreign intelligence services.

Meanwhile, NATO, under the stewardship of the United States, is expected to expand its military presence on the ground as the Afghan government loses grip of its territorial control. Separately, the Pentagon said it would deploy some 300 US Marines this spring to Helmand province alone.

Advice

As always, due to major security concerns individuals throughout Afghanistan are urged to keep a safe distance from large gatherings, military convoys, government buildings, and crowded urban areas. Many Western governments advise their citizens against travel to Afghanistan due to the high threat of kidnapping and terrorism, including frequent attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, local civilians and politicians, and individuals working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Travel to the country should only be undertaken with proper security protocols in place.