Afghanistan: Taliban continue tight security in Kabul, as of Aug. 19 /update 9

Event

The Taliban is reportedly preventing Afghan nationals from accessing the Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL), Kabul, as of Aug. 19. Reports indicate that crowds have begun to gather outside KBL as of morning Aug. 19; the Taliban reportedly fired at people attempting to enter the KBL through the north gate late Aug. 18. Additionally, US officials announced Aug. 18 that they are unable to guarantee safe passage to KBL. While US forces control the airport, Taliban fighters have erected checkpoints on access roads in northern areas of the city and on Airport Road. The Taliban has used violence, including firing into the air, to control crowds of people on nearby roads trying to enter the airport. Taliban forces have also reportedly shot at people, including those who have gotten through checkpoints without approval.

Military evacuation flights are ongoing at KBL, though it is unclear whether commercial flights at the airport are operational. Localized outbreaks of violence are possible in the coming days, especially near KBL, where people may stampede to try to get inside the airport. Gunfire is likely as Taliban forces attempt to prevent people from getting through checkpoints and entering the airport.

Several countries, including the UK and the US, have deployed thousands of soldiers to Kabul to assist in the evacuation efforts. The US and French embassies have relocated their operations to KBL to facilitate the evacuation of their diplomats, citizens, and entitled local nationals. Multiple embassies are closed or have reduced operations. Some embassies, including those of China, Pakistan, Russia, and Turkey, remain open.

Security
The Taliban will likely maintain a pervasive presence in Kabul and other major cities to maintain order and limit the number of potential security disturbances. Sporadic armed clashes cannot be ruled out in the coming days. Protesters denouncing the Taliban have gathered in multiple cities, including Jalalabad and Khost, resulting in clashes with Taliban forces. Additional rallies are possible in the coming days, especially in northern provinces, where the Taliban has enjoyed less support in the past. Extortion and kidnapping by Taliban fighters and opportunistic criminal groups are possible, especially along highways.

Unofficial sources indicate the Taliban ordered residents of Kabul to adhere to a curfew 20:00-06:00, though it is unclear if the curfew is ongoing as of Aug. 19. The Taliban controls nearly all provinces nationwide. The remaining officials and the Taliban have agreed to form a Taliban-led interim government.

Transport and Commercial Impacts
The Taliban has captured most international land border crossings. Taliban fighters often erect blockades and illegal vehicle checkpoints, where the collection of illicit taxes and kidnapping of vehicle occupants may occur.

Pakistan authorities have reopened the Torkam and Chaman border crossings, though reports indicate Pakistani officials are monitoring and tightening the entry of Afghan nationals. Border officials may reopen other crossings in the coming days, though ground transport disruptions may persist as the security situation remains fluid. Additionally, reports indicate that Iranian authorities are preventing Afghan refugees from entering Iran.

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, are likely nationwide. Prices of essential commodities have risen amid shortages, especially in Kabul, possibly prompting panic buying.

Advice

Consider deferring all travel to Afghanistan and exiting the country. Maintain close contact with your diplomatic representation. Do not depart for the airport until flight service is confirmed. Check the status of routes and airport before departure. Maintain a low public profile and dress conservatively.

Follow official directives. 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. Consider alternative shipping routes and power supply if businesses are heavily reliant on state-provided electricity.

Resources

Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority NOTAM
Ministry of Interior Affairs
Ministry of Defence