Afghanistan: Suicide bombing at Shi'a shrine in Kabul March 21 /update 1

Event

A suicide bomber on a motorcycle detonated his explosives among civilians near the Kart-e-Sakhi Shi'a shrine close to Kabul University on the morning of Wednesday, March 21, killing at least 26 people and injuring 18 others. This attack took place at the start of the Nowruz holiday marking the Persian new year. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of yet, although the Islamic State (IS) has notably been involved in recent mass casualty sectarian attacks in Afghanistan.

Context

The Kart-e-Sakhi Shi'a shrine has been the target of previous attacks by militants.

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

Advice

Individuals in Kabul are advised to avoid the above area, monitor the situation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

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.