Afghanistan: Ongoing protest in Kabul September 3 /update 2

Event

Hundreds of residents are reportedly protesting in front of Kabul's Green Village as of the morning (local time) on Tuesday, September 3, following the Taliban's attack at the Green Village the evening prior in which 16 people were killed and 119 wounded. According to media reports, protesters started a fire near the compound and tried to throw rocks into the premise demanding foreign offices and workers to be taken out of the area. Police forces have reportedly resorted to gunfire to disperse protesters.

A heightened security presence is to be expected in the Green Village area over the coming hours and days. Similar attacks and related protests are possible in Kabul over the near term.

Context

The September 2 assault was initiated by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) at approximately 21:55. The VBIED detonated near a fuel station, which caught fire following the explosion and caused significant damage to nearby homes. Security forces killed five attackers involved in the operation who stormed the area following the blast. According to officials, 400 foreign nationals were rescued by the police during the attack.

Taliban 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 affected areas, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.