Afghanistan: Taliban suicide bombing at Bagram Airfield September 6

Event

A Taliban suicide bombing attack at Bagram Airfield (Parwan province) on Wednesday, September 6, injured around 20. It is unclear how many were killed. The suicide bomber detonated his explosives while riding a motorcycle at the base's main entrance around 17:30 (local time), seemingly targeting truck suppliers. Shortly after the attack the Taliban claimed responsibility for the bombing, declaring it to be in retaliation for a US leaflet drop in Parwan province on Tuesday, September 5, that depicted an image deemed offensive to Muslims.

Despite the US military's apology for the leaflet drop on Wednesday, local officials anticipate demonstrations against the leaflets and the US military presence in Parwan province in coming days.

Context

Wednesday's Bagram Airfield attack comes immediately following a controversial US propaganda leaflet drop in Parwan province, in which dogs - traditionally regarded as lowly animals in Islam - were carrying a Taliban flag, which displays the Quranic verses comprising the Islamic shahada ("declaration of faith"). The attack also comes amid a Taliban resurgence in the country, and US President Trump's recent vow to send some 4000 additional troops to rout terrorist networks. Nearly 2000 US soldiers have been killed and thousands more wounded in Afghanistan since the US invasion in 2001.

The last major incident at Bagram base was in November 2016 when a suicide bomber targeted troops on the base itself (four killed and 17 injured).

Advice

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.