11 Jan 2024 | 02:41 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Two security incidents in Kabul on Jan. 11 /update 1
Officials are likely to increase security in Kabul through at least mid-January after two security incidents on Jan. 11.
Authorities will likely maintain an enhanced security posture in Kabul through at least mid-January in the aftermath of two separate security incidents on Jan. 11. An explosion occurred near Barchi Business Center in the Dasht-e-Barchi area of Kabul, leaving at least two people killed and 12 others wounded; no group has yet claimed responsibility for the incident. Taliban officials have launched an investigation into the attack. Additionally, the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) has claimed responsibility for targeting a convoy carrying Taliban security forces in the Khair Khana area. AFF forces assert that the incident has resulted in five casualties.
An increased security presence and associated localized transport disruptions are likely to occur over the coming days, depending on the severity of the perceived threats. Further isolated security incidents, including small-scale explosions, cannot be ruled out.
Exercise increased caution if operating in or near Kabul. Allow additional travel time near the incident sites. Avoid areas where large concentrations of security personnel appear to be deploying. Heed all official transport and security advisories.
The threat of terrorism remains very high in Kabul, with several groups continuing to launch targeted attacks in the capital. In recent months, the AFF, identified as an anti-Taliban group, has claimed responsibility for several incidents targeting Taliban security forces. In some parts of the country, the AFF and National Resistance Front (NRF), another anti-Taliban group, have reportedly collaborated in targeting Taliban personnel. However, regional Islamist groups typically focus their attacks on civilians and Taliban officials. The so-called Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) has claimed responsibility for the majority of attacks since August 2021, when the Taliban took over Kabul.
