Afghanistan: Death toll rises to 80 on August 21 after suicide bombing in Kabul /update 4

Event

Senior officials have confirmed on Wednesday, August 21, that the death toll has risen to 80 victims following the suicide bombing that occurred in the PD06 area of Kabul at 22:40 (local time) on Saturday, August 17. Authorities initially confirmed 63 victims in the bombing, though the death toll has risen since 17 people have succumbed to their wounds. Reports indicate that more than 160 others are still being treated for wounds sustained in the bombing.

The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack on Sunday, August 18.

Similar IS attacks targeting Shi'a Muslim gatherings and sites are possible in Kabul over the near term.

Context

The site of the attack is notably near Darul Aman Palace, where Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was to participate in celebrations in observance of Afghan Independence Day on August 19.

Islamic State (IS) militants have carried out dozens of attacks that have killed hundreds of Shi'a Hazara community members in Kabul and throughout Afghanistan since the group's Afghan affiliate emerged in 2014. The UN estimates that IS militants number between 2500 and 4000 in Afghanistan.

Advice

Individuals in Kabul are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, 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.