Afghanistan: Suicide car bombing reported at Bagram Airbase near Kabul December 11

Event

Unconfirmed reports are emerging of a suicide bombing targeting US Bagram Airbase, near Kabul, in the morning (local time) on Wednesday, December 11. The suicide bomb was followed by a gun attack by armed assailants. US officials have reportedly said that the airbase remains secure and that there were no US or coalition casualties. However, local media outlets have reported that a nearby medical facility has suffered damage. Conflicting media reports indicate between five and fifty civilians have been wounded. Details are still emerging.

As of 10:30 on Wednesday, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Similar attacks targeting security forces are to be expected in the near term.  

Context

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 Afghanistan are advised to monitor developments to the situation, 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.