Afghanistan: Car bomb threat in Kabul February 7

Event

Official sources announced a “credible and imminent” vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) threat in the capital city of Kabul on Wednesday, February 7. According to local sources, the threat is focused around the international “Green Zone” of the capital. No further information is currently available.

Security officials have put increased security measures in place, including erecting over 90 check points in central parts of Kabul. Authorities will also close side roads that connect suburbs to central Kabul. The Ministry of the Interior also announced that intelligence and reconnaissance operations will also be increased.

Context

Kabul has been experiencing a wave of deadly terrorist attacks in recent weeks, and the capital remains on high alert due to extant security threat reporting. On January 29, five gunmen assaulted the the Marshal Fahim National Defense University (military academy) in PD5, Qambar Square. At least five soldiers died in the attack, with a further ten wounded, before all the militants were killed. An attack on January 27, in which attackers detonated explosives from inside an ambulance in the vicinity of Sadarat Square and Chicken Street markets, killed over 100 people. At least 22 people were killed in the January 20-21 attack on the Intercontinental Hotel. Both attacks have been claimed by the Taliban.

Advice

Due to the heightened security threat, individuals present in Kabul are advised to remain vigilant, closely monitor the security situation, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.

Due to major security concerns more generally, 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.