Afghanistan: Grenade attack in Kabul April 25

Event

An unidentified attacker threw two hand grenades at a security checkpoint in Kabul on Wednesday, April 25. According to local sources, the incident occurred at approximately 19:10 (local time) near the Abdul Rahman Khan Jamia Masjid Mosque in the PD2 neighborhood, wounding at least three people. Security forces engaged the attacker with small arms fire, but the militant was able to escape the area. As of 20:45, security forces have stabilized the situation and traffic has resumed in the area.

Context

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of Wednesday evening. It is possible that the incident is part of the Taliban’s annual Spring Offensive, which was also declared on April 25. The Taliban tends to target government and military buildings and personnel as it fights the US-backed Kabul government, and has been increasingly active since US President Trump announced plans in September 2017 to send an additional 3000 troops to rout terrorist networks in the country.

Advice

Individuals in Kabul are advised to avoid the area of the attack and remain vigilant.

Due to major security concerns in the country, 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.