Afghanistan: US embassy warns citizens to leave vicinity of gates at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, as of Aug. 28 /update 2

Event

As of Aug. 28, the US embassy in Kabul has advised its citizens near Abbey gate, East gate, North gate, and the New Ministry of Interior gate, at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport's (KBL), to leave the vicinity. The embassy continues to advise against traveling to KBL unless personnel have obtained individual instruction from a US government representative.

Previously, on Aug. 25, the US and UK embassies issued separate statements warning citizens of their respective countries to avoid travel to KBL, citing unspecified security threats, while the UK message specifically cited a "high threat of terrorist attack". Following the warning, an Islamic State (IS)-led suicide bombing occurred near KBL's Abbey Gate Aug. 26, killing over 160 people, including 13 US military personnel. The US military conducted a retaliatory strike against an alleged IS militant in Nangarhar Province early Aug. 28; concerns over IS retaliation for this airstrike possibly prompted the latest embassy warning, Aug. 28.

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.

Crowds remain around KBL; Taliban fighters have used violence, including discharging firearms, to control crowds seeking to access KBL. 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.

Taliban leaders had previously announced that Afghan nationals will no longer be allowed to depart from KBL for the time being. The Taliban have 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. German officials say that the Taliban plan to allow Afghans with valid travel documents to depart the country on commercial flights following a US military withdrawal.

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.

Certain nations have already begun to close down their evacuation operations. Germany has concluded evacuation operations in Kabul; since Aug. 27, evacuees currently temporarily sheltered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, are being transported to Germany by commercial aircraft. The Fench and Turkish governments have also announced they concluded evacuation operations in Kabul.

Security
Given the Aug. 26 attack and Aug. 28 embassy warnings, further IS attacks on KBL could occur. IS militants could attempt to carry out additional 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.

Resources

US Embassy Kabul
UK Foreign Travel Advice