Insights

Afghan guard beheaded, German woman killed, Finish woman kidnapped

On 20 May, armed men in Kabul attacked a guesthouse run by a Swedish NGO, Operation Mercy, killing a German woman, beheading an Afghan guard and kidnapped a woman from Finland. In a separate attack, Taliban militants killed 20 police officers at checkpoints in southern Afghanistan. At least 10 others were injured in the ambushes in Zabul province.

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 on a guest house, to take heed of the 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.