Afghanistan: Multiple bombs explode at funeral in Kabul June 3

Event

At approximately 15:30 (local time), three explosive devices detonated at a funeral in the Khair Khan district of Kabul on Saturday, June 3. According to local sources, as many as 20 people were killed and dozens wounded in the blasts. The Taliban released a statement about an hour after the bombing denying responsibility for the attack. Avoid the area.

Context

The funeral was for the son of Al-Haj Mohammad Alam Izdyar, the representative of Panjshir province. Several senior government officials were also in attendance at the funeral. Izdyar’s son died during protests in Kabul on Friday, June 2.

On May 31, a bomb exploded near the German Embassy and the Afghan presidential palace located in the Wazir Akbar Khan area at the center of Kabul’s highly secured diplomatic “Green Zone.” Over 100 people were killed and another 400 wounded in the attack. The bomb was reportedly delivered within a water tanker and contained over 1500 kg (3300 lb) of explosives that left a 7 m (23 ft) deep crater.

This attack took place during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan (May 26-June 25). Typically, there is a heightened terror threat during this period in Afghanistan; IS has in the past called on members to perpetrate attacks during Ramadan and some regional terrorist groups have followed suit. Furthermore, the Taliban, widely present in the region, announced the official start of their yearly spring offensive in late April, an announcement typically followed by a nationwide surge in attacks.

Advice

Individuals in Kabul are advised to monitor the situation and to avoid the blast area.

As always, due to major security concerns individuals throughout Afghanistan are urged to keep a safe distance from large gatherings, military convoys, government buildings, and crowded urban areas. Many Western governments advise their citizens against travel to Afghanistan due to the high threat of kidnapping and terrorism, including frequent attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, local civilians and politicians, and individuals working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Travel to the country should only be undertaken with proper security protocols in place.