Afghanistan: Taliban claims deadly attack in Kabul July 24 /update 1

Event

A large explosion occurred in the western Kot-e Sangi/Sar-e Kareez areas of Kabul city on the morning of Monday, July 24. Reporting confirmed that the device was a suicide vehicle borne improvised device (VBIED) targeting a Ministry of Mines and Petroleum minibus. The casualty toll has increased to at least 24 killed and 42 injured. The Taliban claimed responsibility for this attack, confirming they targeted government officials.

Afghan National Security Forces have lifted the cordon around the affected area and traffic has reportedly resumed.

Context

This area in Kabul has been the scene of several incidents, including the suicide attack that killed prominent Shiite Muslim cleric Ramazan Hussainzada in June.

The Taliban has waged an insurgency against the Western-backed Kabul government since being removed from power by a US-led invasion in 2001. They have intensified attacks across the war-torn country in recent months, pressuring Afghan forces who are stretched thin on multiple fronts.

Advice

Individuals present in Kabul are advised to monitor the situation and avoid the blast area.

As always, due to major security concerns individuals throughout Afghanistan are urged to keep a safe distance from large gatherings, military convoys, government buildings, and crowded urban areas. Many Western governments advise their citizens against travel to Afghanistan due to the high threat of kidnapping and terrorism, including frequent attacks against Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, local civilians and politicians, and individuals working in the humanitarian and reconstruction fields. Travel to the country should only be undertaken with proper security protocols in place.