27 Sep 2017 | 05:37 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Attacks continue Sep. 27 in Kabul amid NATO/US visit /update 3
NATO Secretary and US Defense Secretary on unannounced visit in Kabul City Sep. 27; further complex attack and indirect fire near airport
Event
Multiple explosions and indirect gunfire were heard in the vicinity of Kabul’s Baron's Hotel and Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) on Wednesday morning, September 27, coinciding with an unannounced visit by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and US Defense Secretary James Mattis. Stoltenberg and Mattis delivered a live broadcast with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in the capital.
In the third attack of the day, a further three rockets impacted in the vicinity of KBL at 14:27 (local time). Further attacks should be expected, with the possibility of more advanced and sustained complex assaults against high-value targets associated with NATO and the US. There remains an increased threat of attack in the vicinity of Daraluman Road, Kabul City’s Green Zone, and the airport until NATO and US Defense officials depart the capital.
Routes in the near vicinity of Parliament are currently closed to traffic, with localized congestion reported. Flights to and from KBL are currently suspended. Flight disruptions are likely to continue throughout the day, and for a longer period dependent on whether the runway has sustained damage.
Advice
Individuals present in Kabul are advised to limit movements until the situation stabilizes and ensure close proximity to cover is readily available.
As a general reminder, individuals traveling in Afghanistan more generally should seek professional security advice and support, and continually reassess their personal security.
