Afghanistan: Two kidnapped ICRC staff released September 5

Event

Armed militants released two International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) staff members on Tuesday, September 5, after seven months in captivity.

The unidentified militants kidnapped the two victims on February 8 following an ambush on their convoy that killed six other ICRC workers. The threat of kidnapping targeting aid groups, foreigners, and Afghan nationals remains high throughout the country.

Context

According to government officials, armed militants killed six ICRC workers in Jowzjan province on February 8 as they carried supplies into the north of the country to areas affected by heavy snowstorms. No group has publicly claimed responsibility for the attack; however, the Islamic State (IS) is strongly suspected. The Taliban issued a statement denying any responsibility.

The Red Cross says increasing insecurity has made it difficult to provide aid to many parts of Afghanistan, where the organization has been active for some 30 years. ICRC temporarily suspended its operations in Afghanistan following the militant attack.

Advice

As a reminder, the security environment in Afghanistan remains complex, and kidnapping remains a serious security threat in the country. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.​