Afghanistan: Deadly attack on Kabul military academy Jan. 29 ongoing /update 1

Event

An attack in the vicinity of the Marshal Fahim National Defense University (military academy) in PD5, Qambar Square in Kabul is ongoing as of 10:00 (local time) on Monday, January 29, with several gunmen still engaged in gunfire with Afghanistan National Defence Forces (ANDF) at the scene. Reports claim that an initial detonation by a suspected body-borne improvised explosive device (BBIED) was followed up by an armed assault on the academy. However, the perimeter is not believed to have been breached.

The Ministry of Defence has reported that five militants are involved in the complex attack, which began at 05:00. Officials have said that three militants have been killed and one arrested. Two Afghan soldiers have been killed in action, and 10 others injured.

Police have cordons remain in place. The incident is ongoing, avoid the area.

Context

Kabul has been experiencing a wave of deadly terrorist attacks in recent weeks, and the capital remains on high alert due to extant security threat reporting. On January 27, Taliban militants detonated a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) near Sadarat Square and Chicken Street markets. At least 100 people were killed and more than 160 others were injured. Furthermore, at least 22 people were killed in the January 20-21 attack on the Intercontinental Hotel, also claimed by the Taliban.

Advice

Individuals present in Kabul are advised to remain vigilant, avoid the area of the attack, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.

Due to major security concerns more generally, 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.