24 Aug 2021 | 03:36 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Taliban state Afghan nationals not allowed to depart from Kabul's airport as of Aug. 24.
Taliban state Afghan nationals not allowed to depart from Kabul's airport, Afghanistan, as of Aug. 24. Foreign evacuations continue.
Event
Taliban leaders announced Aug. 24 that Afghan nationals will no longer be allowed to depart from Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL). The Taliban has called for Afghans gathered outside the facility to disperse. According to the statement, Taliban forces will continue to allow foreign nationals in possession of valid passports to access KBL. Taliban leaders have also warned of unspecified "consequences" if US and allied forces continue military-led evacuations after Aug. 31.
US-facilitated military evacuation flights are ongoing at KBL. Commercial flights remain suspended, though some foreign governments are using commercial airlines to facilitate evacuations. It is unclear when normally scheduled commercial flights will resume.
The US and allied military forces effectively control KBL. However, the Taliban effectively controls all ground access to the facility. Taliban forces have erected checkpoints outside the airport to control the flow of people entering. The US has facilitated some evacuations to KBL from specific points in Kabul via military helicopters in recent days.
As of late Aug. 24, 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. In recent days violence and stampedes have killed or wounded dozens of people in Kabul. 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.
The Taliban are reportedly maintaining a 21:00-till-dawn curfew throughout Kabul. 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.
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
US officials have warned of potential Islamic State (IS) attacks on KBL. IS militants could attempt to carry out suicide bombings and rocket attacks at or near the facility. IS operatives could target foreigners, Taliban operatives, members of religious minority groups, and Afghans gathered near KBL.
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 diplomatic representations. Check the status of routes and airport before departure. Maintain a low public profile and dress conservatively.
