Afghanistan: Red Cross to scale back operations due to insecurity

Event

On Monday, October 9, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced it would scale back operations in northern Afghanistan due to rising insecurity in the region and the associated risks the situation presents its personnel. The ICRC plans to close its Maimana and Kunduz offices while reducing its Mazar-i-Sharif sub-delegation.

Context

The Red Cross says rising insecurity has recently made it increasingly difficult to provide aid to many parts of Afghanistan, where the organization has been active for some 30 years. In February, armed militants killed six ICRC workers and kidnapped two others in Jowzjan province. On September 11, a Red Cross physiotherapist was shot and killed in Mazar-i-Sharif.

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 plac