Afghanistan: Truck bombing leaves four dead, 90 wounded in Kabul Jan. 14 /update 1

Event

A truck bomb detonated in the vicinity of an Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) checkpoint at the Custom House junction of Jalalabad Road and Supreme Road in Kabul on the evening (local time) of Monday, January 14, killing at least four people and leaving some 90 others wounded. The blast site remains cordoned off and ANSF personnel are conducting search operations in the area. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Officials report that the casualties figure may rise. A heightened security presence is to be expected in Kabul over the coming hours, particularly near the site of the attack.

Context

Taliban and Islamic State (IS) militants launch attacks on government personnel, security forces, and civilians in Afghanistan on a near-daily basis. Such assaults are, in part, intended to undermine the perceived capacity of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) - and the Afghan government more broadly - to adequately provide security in the wake of the withdrawal of most US-led NATO forces from the country. 

Advice

Individuals in Kabul are advised to avoid the area of the blast, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to instructions and advice issued by their home governments.

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.