Afghanistan: Heightened security measures on Victory Day April 28

Event

Heightened security measures are expected in Kabul and other major Afghan cities on Saturday, April 28, in observance of Mujahideen Victory Day. Businesses and government offices may close for the holiday, and public gatherings and other celebratory events are expected. There is also a heightened risk of militant attacks over the Victory Day holiday weekend, as armed groups may attempt to take advantage of the reduced number of Afghan civilians at work and in the streets to carry out large-scale attacks in the Green Zone (Kabul) or elsewhere on US, Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), National Directorate of Security (NDS), and diplomatic personnel and positions.

Context

Mujahideen Victory Day is observed annually throughout Afghanistan on April 28, and commemorates the mujahideen's overthrow of the Soviet-backed government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, led by Mohammad Najibullah, in 1992.

The April 28 observance also comes 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 official launch of the spring offensive this year came 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 consider deferring all nonessential movements in the coming days. 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.