Security Advisory
Embassy of India
Kabul
No. KAB/815/2/11(138) May 21, 2015
Security Advisory
There has been a sharp uptick in the attacks in Afghanistan including Kabul since the launch of the Taliban spring offensive, named ‘Azm’, on April 24. The attack on Hotel Park Palace in Kalola Pushta area of Kabul on the evening of May 13 resulted in the death of fourteen people including four Indian citizens who were resident in the Hotel. A few days later, on May 17, a suicide vehicle IED attack on an EUPOL convoy near the airport resulted in the death of three people including one British national and injuries to 24 others. Again, there was a vehicle-borne IED attack on May 19 targeting the Ministry of Justice near Hotel Serena in PD2 of Kabul, resulting in at least six dead initially and many injured. While there is an upsurge in Taliban activities in many provinces, such as Kunduz, Badakhshan, Faryab, Badghis, Herat, Farah, Ghor and Helmand, there has also been an increase in threat inputs related to attacks in Kabul including against Indian interests and nationals. As the summer fighting season progresses, more attacks and blasts can be expected in Kabul and other cities against government installations as well as foreigners’ related locations. Moreover, one should also be aware of collateral damage in the vicinity of an intended target.
2. In view of the above, it is advised to remain watchful of the security environment in the coming days, to be able to act quickly if the situation warrants. We have also received credible and specific inputs of threat to Indian interests and citizens in Afghanistan. All Indian citizens are therefore advised to exercise strict vigilance and caution with regard to security at workplace and place of residence as also during movement in the city. It would be pertinent to ensure that the security arrangements at the workplace and place of residence are adequate, and also that you do not stay at the same place for long periods of time. There should be no movement outside Kabul by road, as most roads are unsafe and prone to attacks and illegal check posts put up by militants, and movement within the city should be undertaken only if unavoidable, by random routes and with random timings. Kidnapping, assassination and intimidation are also standard tactics used by anti government elements to target both the indigenous and expatriate population. Unnecessary movements in public places, specially in the vicinity of military installations and convoys, should be avoided. Kindly also remain in contact with the Embassy and your other colleagues as well as mass media to be aware of any untoward happening in the surroundings with bearing on security.
Public Affairs Wing
Embassy of India, Kabul
All Indians in Afghanistan
| 
mea.gov.in