Insights

Car bomb kills at least 34 in Helmand province outside a bank

At least 34 people have been killed and up to 58 wounded, after a car bomb exploded outside a bank in Helmand province. Reports have indicated that the bomb was detonated at the gate of the New Kabul Bank branch in Lashkar Gah. The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the blast, saying that they planted the explosives. Among the casualties were several members of the security forces, as well as shoppers who were preparing for the religious Eid festival. The blast outside the bank is the latest in a series of attacks in Afghanistan during the holy month of Ramadan.

On 1 May, the US Embassy in Kabul issued a security message regarding the continued threats associated with travelling in Afghanistan, including in Kabul. The threat of kidnapping and attacks against guest houses frequented by Westerners is high and militant groups often plan attacks on such locations and against individuals with US connections. Government facilities, embassies, military installations, guest houses, commercial entities, non-governmental organisations, offices, restaurants, hotels, airports, schools and universities continue to be popular targets. As such, ‘travel to all areas of Afghanistan remains unsafe due to the ongoing risk of kidnapping, hostage taking, military combat operations, landmines, banditry, armed rivalry between political and tribal groups, militant attacks, direct and indirect fire, suicide bombings and insurgent attacks, including attacks using vehicle-borne or other improvised explosive devices.’

It is advisable to be aware of the latest attack, to take heed of the recent security message and to avoid all non-essential travel in Afghanistan due to a plethora of threats. For essential travel, notify consular authorities and contract a reliable security escort.