15 Aug 2021 | 03:55 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Government agrees to give up power to the Taliban Aug. 15 /update 4
Afghan government agrees to give up power to the Taliban as of Aug. 15. Security situation fluid and subject to change at short notice.
Event
The Afghan government has agreed to give up power to the Taliban Aug. 15. Former President Ashraf Ghani has resigned and reportedly left the country. Officials and the Taliban agreed to form a Taliban-led interim government after fighters surrounded Kabul. Latest unconfirmed reports indicate Taliban leaders have allowed fighters to enter some areas of the city. The Taliban currently controls all provinces and provincial capitals in northern, western, and southern areas; the Taliban also captured Jalalabad in eastern Nangarhar Province, early Aug. 15.
Security
Extortion and kidnapping by Taliban fighters and opportunistic criminal groups are possible, especially along highways. Further sporadic clashes in the coming days cannot be ruled out. The Taliban will likely maintain a pervasive presence in major cities, especially Kabul, as the security situation will likely remain uncertain in the coming weeks.
Transport and Commercial
The Taliban has captured most international land border crossings. Ground transport and shipping disruptions through captured border crossings are likely. Taliban fighters often erect blockades and illegal vehicle checkpoints, where the collection of illicit taxes and kidnapping of vehicle occupants may occur. Traffic jams have been reported in Kabul as residents leave the city. Prices of essential commodities have risen amid shortages, especially in Kabul.
Flights are still operational at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) as of Aug. 15. The Taliban is allowing foreigners to leave the country via KBL; foreigners who stay must register with Taliban authorities. Domestic flights are also ongoing at Kandahar’s Ahmed Shah Baba International Airport (KDH), Herat International Airport (HEA), and Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport (MZR); the extent of international flights at these facilities is unconfirmed at present.
Any outbreaks of violence could result in flight disruptions. FlyDubai has temporarily halted flights to Kabul; additional airlines may suspend flights to Afghanistan in the coming days. Disruptions to business operations, public transportation, aid agencies' functioning, and consulate services for foreign nationals, as well as shortages of some goods due to business closures, shipping delays, or looting could occur throughout the country, including in Kabul.
Context
The Taliban made rapid territorial gains after capturing its first provincial capital, Zaranj, Aug. 6. While the government still held a couple provinces in central and eastern Afghanistan as of early Aug. 15, these areas will likely fall under Taliban control in the coming days.
Several embassies in Kabul have called for their respective citizens to leave the country immediately due to prevailing security conditions and the limited availability of consulate support.
Advice
Follow official directives. Foreign nationals should strongly consider deferring all travel to Afghanistan and exiting the country immediately. Exercise caution and avoid any protests. Defer travel to sites with ongoing security operations; if operating in such an area, remain sheltered in a secure indoor location, away from windows. Confirm business appointments, transport reservations, road status, and deliveries in advance. Ensure contingency plans account for business, transport, and utility disruptions if operating in an affected area. Consider alternative shipping routes and power supply if businesses are heavily reliant on state-provided electricity. Abide by traffic, security, and evacuation advisories. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.
