30 Aug 2021 | 09:37 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Washington ends evacuations at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul as of early Aug. 31 /update 3
US ends evacuations at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, as of early Aug. 31. Taliban maintain curfew in Kabul.
Event
US military officials have ended their evacuation mission at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) and have withdrawn all forces from the facility as of early Aug. 31. Taliban personnel are in control of KBL following the US withdrawal. Officials have issued a NOTAM warning that there is no effective air traffic control at KBL and that nearby airspace is uncontrolled. Taliban leaders are reportedly finalizing a deal with Turkey and Qatar to facilitate civilian flight operations at KBL, but no details of any agreement have been publicized and commercial flights will likely remain suspended for at least several days.
The Taliban are reportedly maintaining a 21:00-until-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.
Security
Further Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) attacks on or near 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 the security situation stabilizes. If possible, foreign nationals should strongly consider exiting the country. Maintain close contact with diplomatic representatives. Keep a low public profile and dress conservatively.
