Afghanistan: UN suspends movement at Jalalabad Airport Feb.1

Event

As a result of credible threat reporting the United Nations (UN) have raised the alert state to ‘White’ for Jalalabad Airport (JAA) on Thursday, February 1, and have suspended all movement in the area. 

The specific threat remains unreported, but current threat reporting in the city may indicate the potential of a suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive attack (SVBIED), suicide body borne improvised explosive device (SBBIED), or complex attack.

Context

Due to a recent wave of terrorist attacks in Kabul and Jalalabad, the cities remain on high alert. On January 24, a complex attack claimed by Islamic State (IS) on the Save the Children compound in Jalalabad’s police district 3 (PD3) left six people dead and 27 others injured.

Advice

Individuals present in Jalalabad are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of Jalalabad airport and consider essential movements only.

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.