Afghanistan: Three foreign nationals abducted and killed in Kabul August 2

Event

Three foreign nationals - an Indian, a Malaysian, and a Macedonian - working for an international food company were kidnapped in Kabul on Thursday, August 2. According to police sources, the three men were abducted near the Pul-e-Charkhi area in the eastern outskirts of Kabul as they traveled to the airport. Armed men in local dress, believed to be Islamist militants or members of a criminal group, reportedly blocked the road with their vehicles, abducted the three at gunpoint, and brought them to an unknown location. The victims' drivers were left unharmed. The bodies of the three men were later found in a car parked in the Mussahi district, located in the south of Kabul province. The motive behind the abduction remains unknown.

Context

Kidnapping is a major concern in Afghanistan. While it mainly affects Afghan nationals who are generally abducted for ransom, foreigners have also been targeted, both by criminals looking for ransom and by militant groups.

Advice

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.