Afghanistan: Islamic State (IS) group claims responsibility for Kabul attack March 6 /update 3

Event

On Friday, March 6, the Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for an attack at a commemorative ceremony in Kabul earlier on Friday that left at least 27 people dead and 55 others wounded. Investigations into the attack are ongoing and a heightened security presence is to be expected in the area over the coming hours.

Further attacks are possible in Kabul over the near term.

Context

Islamic State (IS) militants have carried out dozens of attacks that have killed hundreds of Shi'a Hazara community members in Kabul and throughout Afghanistan since the group's Afghan affiliate emerged in 2014. The UN estimates that IS militants number between 2500 and 4000 in Afghanistan.

Advice

Individuals in Kabul are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the attack, remain vigilant for militant activity, avoid public demonstrations, restrict non-essential movement until crowds have dispersed, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home government.

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