12 Nov 2018 | 01:48 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Six killed in November 12 suicide attack in Kabul /update 1
Six killed in suicide attack south of Green Zone in Kabul on November 12; Islamic State claims responsibility
Event
At least six people have been confirmed dead following the suicide attack that took place in the capital Kabul on Route Kennedy, near Estiqlal High School, on the morning of Monday, November 12 (local time). The attacker, who was on foot, detonated his suicide vest at a National Afghan Police checkpoint located south of the Green Zone. The attack came after the end of a Shi’a protest in Kabul denouncing perceived government inaction regarding the Taliban and the deteriorating security situations in Ghazni and Uruzgan provinces. The Islamic State (IS) subsequently claimed responsibility for the attack. Residual disruptions can be expected in the area in the coming hours.
Context
Taliban and IS militants launch attacks on government personnel, security forces, and civilians in Afghanistan on a near-daily basis. Such assaults are in part intended to undermine the perceived capacity of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) - and the Afghan government more broadly - to adequately provide security in the wake of the withdrawal of most US-led NATO forces from the country and in the aftermath of parliamentary and district elections held October 20.
Advice
Individuals in Kabul should minimize movements in the affected area until the situation normalizes.
The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
