Afghanistan: Complex attack targeting Green Trend offices (Kabul) kills two people July 28 /update 1

Event

A complex attack targeted the Green Trend political offices in Kabul, near Shaheed Circle in PD4, around 16:40 (local time) on Sunday, July 28. The attack, which began with the detonation of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), has killed at least two people and left several others wounded. Multiple assailants stormed the Green Trend offices following the initial explosion and are engaging security forces, who have cordoned off roads leading to Shaheed Circle, as of Sunday evening; at least one of the assailants has been killed.

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected in the area over the coming hours.

Context

The attack was likely planned to coincide with the beginning of the presidential election campaign season, which began Sunday ahead of the scheduled September 28 election; Amrullah Saleh, who leads the Green Trend party, is the vice-presidential candidate in President Ashraf Ghani's reelection campaign.

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.

Advice

Individuals in Kabul are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the area, liaise with their security partner, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home government.

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.