Afghanistan: Taliban reportedly enforcing curfew in Kabul as of Aug. 20 /update 10

Event

Further violence and disruptions are likely following the Taliban's effective seizure of most areas of Afghanistan. The Taliban have reportedly imposed a 21:00-till-dawn curfew Kabul effective Aug. 20. No one may leave their residences during curfew hours. Exemptions may be possible for emergency purposes; Taliban commanders have reportedly provided contact information for individuals seeking permission to leave their homes for essential reasons. Taliban-enforced curfews are likely in additional areas of the country given that the political and security situation remains extremely volatile.

US-facilitated military evacuation flights are ongoing at Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL). Commercial flights remain suspended, though governments are reportedly using commercial airlines to facilitate evacuations. It is unclear when commercial flights will resume.

While the US effectively controls KBL, Taliban forces have erected checkpoints outside the airport to control the flow of people entering. Taliban leaders have denied reports that they are preventing all Afghan nationals from entering the facility; rather, the Taliban claim it is preventing individuals without proper travel documents from accessing KBL. Taliban forces may target individuals who previously backed the US-supported Afghan government and foreign military forces. Large crowds of people remain gathered outside Taliban checkpoints and airport gates on access roads. Taliban fighters have used violence, including discharging firearms, to control crowds. Stampedes have also occurred as people rush to enter the airport. Taliban fighters have reportedly shot at people, including those who have gotten through checkpoints without approval. US military forces have previously fired live rounds to clear crowds from the airport tarmac. Recent violence has killed or wounded dozens of people in Kabul. Foreign nationals may be injured while trying to enter the airport; a German citizen was shot and injured while traveling to KBL Aug. 20, though the exact circumstances regarding the incident are unclear. The US government announced Aug. 18 that it is unable to provide security for people traveling to the airport. Although Taliban leadership and the US likely want to avoid direct armed conflict between their forces at KBL, clashes at the facility cannot be ruled out.

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. 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 have enjoyed less support in the past. Extortion and kidnapping by Taliban fighters and opportunistic criminal groups are possible, especially along highways.

Militants associated with the Islamic State (IS) may carry out attacks, including suicide bombings and rocket attacks. IS operatives could target foreigners, Taliban operatives, and religious minority groups. Taliban fighters reportedly killed a local IS leader after capturing the prison where he was held; this action may increase the likelihood of IS attacks in the country.

Anti-Taliban militias, supported by members of the ousted government, are active in areas of Baghlan and Panjshir provinces northeast of Kabul. Clashes in the provinces have reportedly resulted in dozens of casualties in recent days. Fighting could spread to additional areas in the country at short notice.

Transport and Commercial Impacts
The Taliban have 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

Defer all nonessential travel to Afghanistan until evacuations end and the security situation stabilizes. Foreign nationals should strongly consider 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