Afghanistan: Heightened security measures in Kabul amid Dostum return July 22

Event

Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum is expected to return to Afghanistan on the morning of Sunday, July 22 (local time), after over a year in exile. Dostum is anticipated to arrive and meet President Ashraf Ghani at Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) in the early morning hours and then attend a welcome ceremony and press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 14:30. Heightened security measures and transportation disruptions are expected in Kabul for the events; an elevated risk of militant activity is also to be anticipated in the capital over the coming hours.  

Advice

Individuals in Kabul are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

As a reminder, Western governments advise their citizens against all but essential travel to Afghanistan. Individuals traveling around Afghanistan, including Kabul, are advised to seek professional security advice, to continually reassess their personal security, to maintain contact and report movements, and to stay away from protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings.