Afghanistan: Heightened security for Nowruz March 20-21

Event

Heightened security measures are expected, particularly in Mazar-e-Sharif (Balkh province) and Kabul, for the Nowruz holiday, observed in Afghanistan on March 20-21. According to the Balkh provincial police, some 4000 police, army, and intelligence officers are expected to be deployed throughout the province, and particularly in Mazar-e-Sharif, in advance of a Nowruz festival in the provincial capital; the joint security forces have established checkpoints and patrols in Mazar-e-Sharif, and have prohibited people from carrying weapons.

According to the US Embassy in Afghanistan, heightened security measures, traffic disruptions, and road closures are also to be expected in Kabul during the Nowruz holiday. Associated celebrations may last up to two weeks after March 21 in the country. Islamist militant groups like the Taliban and Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP) may attempt to carry out attacks on notable public sites and gatherings during the Nowruz holiday period.

Context

Islamist militant groups, such as the Taliban and IS-KP, view the holiday as un-Islamic and a celebration of paganism. The Taliban has previously warned individuals against celebrating the holiday in Afghanistan, and banned the celebration of the holiday during its rule over the country from 1996 to 2001.

Nowruz is a pre-Islamic Persian New Year celebration annually celebrated in Farsi-speaking countries - including Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and parts of Pakistan - and in associated diaspora and some Kurdish communities on March 20-21. It is a 13-day celebration that involves dinners, family visits, and recitations of poetry. Some cities also host festivals in the streets.

Advice

Individuals in Afghanistan are advised to remain vigilant for potential militant activity, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Increased security and travel disruptions should be anticipated in Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif, and other major Afghan cities during Nowruz celebrations.

More generally, the security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.