20 Nov 2018 | 03:28 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Explosion kills at least 40 in Kabul November 20
Suspected suicide bomber kills at least 40 people in central Kabul on November 20; no group immediately claims responsibility for the attack
Event
At least 40 people have been confirmed dead following a suicide attack at the Uranus hall on Airport Road in central Kabul during the evening hours (local time) of Tuesday, November 20. Early reports indicate a suicide bomber detonated a body-borne improvised explosive device (BBIED) at the hall during a ceremony commemorating the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Residual disruptions can be expected in the area in the coming hours.
Context
Taliban and Islamic State (IS) militants launch attacks on government personnel, security forces, and civilians in Afghanistan on a near-daily basis. Such assaults are in part intended to undermine the perceived capacity of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) - and the Afghan government more broadly - to adequately provide security in the wake of the withdrawal of most US-led NATO forces from the country and in the aftermath of parliamentary and district elections held October 20.
Advice
Individuals in Kabul should minimize movements in the affected area until the situation normalizes.
The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
