Afghanistan: Suicide bomb attack at Kabul airport July 22 /update 1

Event

At least 14 people were killed and dozens more injured after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the entrance to Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) on Sunday, July 22. According to local officials, the attack was targeting former Vice President Rashid Dostum, who arrived back in the country on Sunday after more than a year in exile amid allegations of human rights abuses. However, Dostum's convoy reportedly passed by minutes before the blast and he escaped unharmed. Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Advice

Individuals in Kabul are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

As a reminder, Western governments advise their citizens against all but essential travel to Afghanistan. Individuals traveling around Afghanistan, including Kabul, are advised to seek professional security advice, to continually reassess their personal security, to maintain contact and report movements, and to stay away from protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings.