Afghanistan: Potential imminent attack on Serena Hotel (Kabul) April 27

Event

As of 17:00 (local time) on Friday, April 27, official and local sources have claimed that anti-government militants are planning to imminently launch a complex attack on the Serena Hotel in Kabul's PD2. Heightened security measures are expected in the vicinity of the Serena Hotel in the coming hours. Avoid the area until further notice.

Context

These threats come shortly after the Taliban issued a statement announcing the launch of their annual spring offensive on April 25, which coincides every year with the arrival of warmer weather that allows militants to move more easily over Afghanistan's mountainous terrain. This year's offensive has been termed the "Al-Khandaq" campaign, named after a legendary battle fought by the Prophet Mohammed in defense of the city of Medina.

The April 25 announcement comes amid an already high level of militant activity in the country, as a series of attacks have been reported in recent weeks. The Taliban launched multiple attacks in Badghis, Farah, and Ghazni provinces on April 23 and April 24, killing at least 25 Afghan soldiers and police officers. On April 22, at least 60 people were killed when a suicide bomber detonated explosives at a voter registration center in Kabul; that attack was later claimed by the Islamic State (IS).

Advice

Individuals in Kabul are advised to avoid the abovementioned affected area, monitor the situation for developments, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Moreover, due to major security concerns in the country, 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.