03 Jun 2019 | 08:12 AM UTC
Afghanistan: IS claims responsibility for June 2 attack in Kabul /update 3
Islamic State (IS) claims responsibility for June 2 attack in Kabul; at least two people killed and 24 injured
Event
The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for the attack targeting a bus carrying university students in the Kot-e-Sangi district of Kabul on Sunday, June 2. A magnetically attached improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in the morning (local time), followed by two other explosions at the same location caused by roadside bombs. At least two people were killed, and 24 others wounded by the blasts. Similar attacks are possible in Kabul over the coming days and weeks.
Context
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the June 2 bombings. Militants previously conducted bombings in Kabul on Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31.
Taliban and Islamic State (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.
Advice
Individuals in Kabul are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the blast, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.
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.
