28 Aug 2021 | 08:46 PM UTC
Afghanistan: US government warns that new attack against Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul is highly likely in the next 24-36 hours
US government warns that new terrorist attack on Karzai Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, highly likely in the next 24-36 hours.
Event
On Aug. 28, US President Joseph Biden issued a statement warning that, according to military commanders, a new terror attack targeting Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) was highly likely within the next 24-36 hours. Biden's statement comes a few hours after the US Embassy in Kabul advised its citizens to leave areas near KBL's Abbey, East, North, and New Ministry of Interior gates. The embassy continues to advise individuals against traveling to the airport unless they have received specific instructions to do so from a US government representative.
The security situation in Kabul remains extremely volatile; further suicide and rocket attacks remain possible throughout Kabul.
Context
The warning of further attacks comes amid the US government's last efforts to evacuate American citizens and at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan. 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. The communique from the UK government specifically cited a "high threat of terrorist attack." Following the warning, the Islamic State branch in Afghanistan - known as Islamic State-Khorasan Province or simply IS-K - claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing attack that killed 13 US service members and at least 90 Afghan civilians. The US military conducted a retaliatory strike against an alleged IS militant hideout in Nangarhar Province early Aug. 28.
Advice
Avoid large crowds. 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.
