Afghanistan: Islamic State claims responsibility for rocket attack targeting Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul early Aug. 30 /update 1

Event

The Islamic State branch in Afghanistan - known as Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-K) - has claimed responsibility for a rocket attack that targeted Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) in Kabul early Aug. 30. Six rockets were launched towards KBL from a vehicle in northwest Kabul's Police District (PD) 11 at around 06:40. Five rockets were apparently intercepted by defense systems at the airport, while a sixth stuck a residence. There have been no confirmed casualties from the incident.

Officials will probably maintain heightened security measures in the impact areas through at least Aug. 30. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely.

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 on Aug. 28 warned that a new terror attack targeting KBL was highly likely within the next 24-36 hours. IS-K also claimed responsibility for an Aug. 26 suicide bombing attack that killed 13 US service members and at least 160 Afghan civilians at the KBL airport.

Advice

Avoid the impact area as a precaution. Plan for localized transport and business disruptions. Only travel to the KBL airport if contacted by officials for evacuation.