Afghanistan: Gun attack targeting Pakistani Embassy in Kabul's Karte Parwan area, Dec. 2

Event

Unidentified gunmen targeted the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul's Karte Parwan area Dec. 2, leaving one Pakistani security guard dead. The assailants reportedly targeted Charge d'affaires Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani as the official was heading toward the compound's residential section after Friday afternoon Islamic prayers; no group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident occurred following another attempted armed assault against Hezb-e-Islami party founder and leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar in Police District 6 early Dec. 2.

Authorities are maintaining a heightened security posture outside the embassy. Associated localized transport disruptions are likely over the coming days. The possibility of additional security incidents, especially targeting foreign diplomatic missions, cannot be ruled out.

Context

The Dec. 2 embassy attack follows several high-profile bilateral diplomatic meetings between the foreign ministers of Afghanistan and Pakistan. A similar incident occurred at the Russian Embassy along Kabul's Darulaman Road on Sept. 5; the attack left six people killed, including two Russian embassy staff members.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of caution if operating in the Karte Parwan area. Plan accordingly for localized transport disruptions in the impacted area. Heed all official transport and security advisories. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.