Afghanistan: Tight security, attacks possible during school entrance examinations in multiple cities including Kabul, Nov. 11

Event

The Afghan-Turk Maarif International School will conduct entrance examinations for Nov. 11 in Kabul and the capital cities of Balkh, Jowjan, Herat, and Maidan Wardak provinces. Thousands of applicants typically attend tests in school campuses, potentially prompting tight security and localized traffic restrictions. The most significant disruptions are probable in Police Districts (PD) 1 and 4 of Kabul.

Although officials have not publicized specific threats to the event, educational institutions are popular target sites for militant attacks. Security cordons, vehicle checks, and traffic diversions may affect the vicinity of Maarif schools. Local businesses may close or alter opening hours as a precaution. Any security incident may prompt enhanced curbs on the movement of vehicles and people, as well as local business operations. Civilian protests are possible in the aftermath of attacks; security personnel usually quell demonstrations quickly with force.

Context

The threat of terrorism remains high in Afghanistan. The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISK) has regularly carried out attacks, mainly targeting Taliban officials, security forces, government buildings, as well as religious and ethnic minorities. An unclaimed suicide bombing also occurred at an educational center in the Dashte Barchi area of Kabul Sept. 30, killing 53 people and injuring over 100 others. The risk of similar attacks will continue in the long term.

Advice

Avoid examination venues and other sensitive sites such as government buildings to the extent possible. Plan for localized traffic delays in downtown areas; allow additional time to reach destinations. Confirm transport reservations beforehand. Remain nonconfrontational if approached by security personnel. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks. Heed all official security and traffic advisories.