Suicide Explosion, Airport Road, Kabul

TRAVEL ADVICE
  • Avoid the vicinity Uranus Wedding Hall on Airport Road until the blast site has been cleared by authorities. If you are currently in the area, minimise movement until the situation stabilises and comply with all security force directives
  • Road closures are expected in the vicinity of the attack on Airport Road. Liaise with your security provider regarding the feasibility of essential road movement near the airport. If travelling to Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) use the south-north route from Wazir Akbar Khan via Airport Road
  • Monitor Solace Global Alerts for further updates.

SITUATION SUMMARY At least 55 people have been killed and 80 wounded following the detonation of a suicide bomb at a wedding hall in Kabul. The attack occurred at the Uranus Wedding Hall on Airport Road (Police District 15) at approximately 18.15 (local time). The terrorist evaded security before entering the main building and detonating the explosive device on the first floor.  Local reports indicate that Sufi Muslims had gathered in wedding hall to commemorate Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif, the birthday of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. Attacks targeting religious minorities have increased over the last 12 months as the Islamic State (IS) seek to create and exploit sectarian rifts in Afghanistan. On 15 August, an IS bomber detonated their explosives at a private education centre in a Shia neighbourhood in west Kabul, killing 48 people, including several prominent Shia journalists. On August 3, 40 people were killed in a complex attack on Shia worshippers at a Mosque in Gardez city (Paktia province).  While no group has yet claimed responsibility for today’s bombinh, it follows a continued trend of targeted attacks against minority groups in Afghanistan.  Travellers currently in Kabul should minimise all movements near Hamid Karzai International Airport until the situation stabilises.
Solace Global remains available to provide the full range of Travel Risk Management services to clients throughout Afghanistan. Solace Global is also able to provide comprehensive crisis management, in-country journey management, tracking, response, and evacuation services. For further details please contact +44 (0)1202 308 810 or email risk@localhost Download the latest travel advisory here. Afghanistan – Travel Advisory