Afghanistan: Increased security likely nationwide for Nowruz celebrations March 21

Event

People will celebrate the Nowruz holiday (Persian New Year) in parts of Afghanistan from March 21. Afghanistan's Taliban administration has not designated a public holiday for Nowruz but will allow people to commemorate the festival. Large gatherings are likely at Shi'a mosques. Celebratory events may persist beyond March 21, as some communities traditionally continue Nowruz festivities for several days.

The Taliban government will likely increase security measures for the holiday, with the tightest measures in main cities and towns, like Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif, the site of a prominent Shi'a shrine and focal point for celebrations in northern Afghanistan. Security forces may establish checkpoints near well-known celebration sites, Shi'a mosques, and main thoroughfares. Militant groups may attempt to stage attacks during the holiday period. Taliban opponents could protest the government's allegedly politically motivated position on Nowruz. Business closures are possible during the celebrations, and transport disruptions could occur with little notice.

Context

Taliban and Islamic State (IS) militants have previously issued periodic warnings against the observance of Nowruz, which some militant leaders deem "un-Islamic." IS militants killed 33 people in the Kart-e-Char area in western Kabul during Nowruz celebrations in March 2018.

Advice

Allow additional time to reach destinations during the holiday and confirm scheduled appointments. Limit exposure to potential terror targets, including Nowruz celebration venues, police and military installations, and major government buildings. Plan accordingly for detours and traffic disruptions due to increased security measures.