Afghanistan: Unknown attackers allegedly kidnap an Indian national in PD 11 of Kabul, Sept. 14

Event

Unknown attackers reportedly kidnapped an Indian national at gunpoint in Kabul's Police District (PD) 11 the morning of Sept. 14. Reports indicate that the perpetrators abducted the victim, who is the owner of a pharmaceutical store, and his employees from a vehicle near the shop. The attackers reportedly assaulted the workers, who eventually managed to escape. Taliban officials have said that they will investigate the incident.

Context

The abduction highlights the extreme risk of kidnapping in Afghanistan, particularly after the Taliban took power in August and international forces departed the country. Although locals are most frequently affected, foreigners remain high-value kidnap targets. The most common types of abduction in Afghanistan include basic opportunistic kidnap-for-ransom, high-net-worth individual kidnap-for-ransom, political kidnappings, sectarian-related abductions, and militant kidnappings. Reports indicate that the Taliban has targeted foreigners who have remained in Afghanistan, especially those who worked with international forces. Additionally, opportunistic criminal groups may attempt to abduct and extort foreigners.