Afghanistan: Explosion in Khajeh Baghra area of Kabul, near Hamid Karzai International Airport Aug. 29, due to rocket attack /update 1

Event

The explosion that occurred near Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) in Kabul late afternoon Aug. 29 was due to a rocket attack. Reports indicate the rocket impacted a residential building in the Gulai neighborhood in the Khajeh Baghra area, which lies immediately west-northwest of KBL. The rocket may have been targeting KBL. Unconfirmed reports indicate the attack has left at least one person dead.

No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the blast.

Context

The rocket attack comes after the US embassy in Kabul issued a statement early Aug. 29 urging citizens to avoid travel to KBL due to a "specific, credible threat". The statement comes after US President Joseph Biden Aug. 28 warned that a new terror attack targeting KBL was highly likely within the next 24-36 hours.

Previously, the US and UK embassies issued separate statements Aug. 25 warning citizens of their respective countries to avoid travel to KBL, citing unspecified security threats. The communique from the UK government specifically cited a "high threat of terrorist attack." Following the warning, the Islamic State branch in Afghanistan - known as Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-K) - claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing attack that killed 13 US service members and at least 160 Afghan civilians.

The security situation in Kabul remains extremely volatile; further suicide and rocket attacks remain possible throughout Kabul.

Advice

Avoid the impact area until security officials give the all-clear. Only travel to the airport if contacted by officials for evacuation.