05 Sep 2019 | 07:18 AM UTC
Afghanistan: Casualties reported from Kabul blast September 5 /update 1
Emergency personnel are responding to a suspected car bomb attack in Kabul’s Sash Darak area on September 5; avoid the area
Event
A heightened security presence has been reported in the Sash Darak area of Kabul as of 11:30 (local time) on Thursday, September 5, following an earlier suspected vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack. Security forces have reportedly cordoned off the area and emergency personnel have deployed to the site. Casualties have been confirmed but no official numbers have been released by security officials. According to local media reports, the Taliban have claimed responsibility for the bombing, stating that the attack targeted a convoy of foreign forces entering a National Directorate of Security facility (NDS).
There is a risk of secondary explosive devices near the blast site. Details are still emerging; avoid the area.
Context
Taliban 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.
At least 16 people were killed and another 119 wounded after Taliban fighters launched a complex attack on Kabul’s Green Village on Monday, September 2.
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.
