Afghanistan: Three explosions reported in Kabul May 9

Event

On Wednesday, May 9, three explosions and gunfire were reported shortly before 13:00 (local time) in the center of Kabul. According to initial reports, two attacks were carried out by three suicide bombers in two different police stations. One explosion is attributed to a suicide bomber at the entrance of the PD13 police headquarters in the Dasht-e Barchi area, while two other suicide bombers struck less than 20 minutes later in the PD10 in the Shahr-e Naw area. Gunfire has also been reported in the above areas. At least six individuals have been injured.

Additional militant attacks on security forces are possible in Afghanistan in the near-term.

Context

Afghanistan faces a persistent terrorist threat from several groups including the Taliban and the Islamic State.

On April 25, the Taliban issued a statement announcing the launch of their annual spring offensive, which coincides every year with the arrival of warmer weather that allows militants to move more easily over Afghanistan's mountainous terrain. This year's offensive has been termed the "Al-Khandaq" campaign, named after a legendary battle fought by the Prophet Mohammed in defense of the city of Medina. The terrorist group launched multiple attacks in Badghis, Farah, and Ghazni provinces on April 23 and April 24, killing at least 25 Afghan soldiers and police officers.

Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP) is active in Afghanistan and has carried out several attacks in the country in recent months. Notably, IS-KP carried out a suicide bombing attack on a voter registration center in Kabul on April 22, killing at least 69 people and wounding around 120 others. An IS-KP suicide bomber also struck the Shi'a Kart-e-Sakhi shrine in Kabul on March 21, killing at least 33 people and wounding 65 others. On April 30, 26 individuals died in a series of terror attacks including several reporters.

Advice

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.