25 May 2021 | 03:05 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Australian authorities announce the temporary closure of its embassy in Kabul, May 28
Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces the temporary closure of its embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, May 28.
Event
The Australian government announced the temporary closure of the Australian Embassy in Kabul from May 28. The statement cited an increased threat of violence in Kabul amid the withdrawal of international forces from the country.
Context
The statement came as US and international military forces implement a planned withdrawal from Afghanistan. According to the government in Washington, DC, US and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military forces are expected to finish withdrawing from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, 2021. Fighting continues in much of the country, with the Taliban apparently expanding its control and influence in multiple areas. The Taliban is also believed to be carrying out regular attacks on government officials and other targets in Kabul. Although intermittent talks between the Afghan government and Taliban representatives have occurred, major differences remain. The planned withdrawal of US military forces over the coming months will likely reduce the effectiveness of Afghan government military forces, who have struggled to contain an apparently resurgent Taliban even with direct US support. Militant violence in Afghanistan could escalate further in the coming weeks if the Taliban believes US-led forces to be in violation of a peace deal announced in February 2020, which outlined a US military withdrawal within 14 months of the agreement.
Advice
Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure that continencies account for disruptions to consular support.
