Afghanistan: Iraqi Embassy secured following attack in Kabul July 31 /update 1

Event

A large-scale attack was carried out against the Iraqi Embassy in Kabul’s Shar-e Now area on Monday, July 31. The attack was initiated at around 11:05 (local time) when a suicide bomber detonated at the front gate, after which at least three attackers entered the building. Reports say all militants were killed and the compound secured by 15:45. All internal embassy staff have been confirmed safe and accounted for, although three police officers were reported injured and two Afghan security guards were killed. The Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Context

Although the Taliban and the affiliated Haqqani network are responsible for the majority of terrorist attacks in Kabul, IS has become increasingly active in the capital since July 2016. IS claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a checkpoint of the Ministry of Defense on April 12. It formed its regional branch, Khorasan Province, in 2015.

Advice

Individuals present in Kabul are advised to monitor the situation and avoid the blast area.

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.