‘Afghanistan situation dangerous’: Indian embassy in advisory for its nationals

The Embassy of India issued an advisory for its nationals living in the war-torn country. The advisory came in the wake of the withdrawal of American and NATO troops from Afghanistan and the advancement of the Taliban.

The Embassy urges the Indians staying, visiting and working in Afghanistan to exercise utmost vigilance at all times. They also requested to avoid all non-essential travel as the security situation in Afghanistan remains dangerous. The advisory stated that “This advisory reiterates advice of 29th June 2021, which remains valid for all India citizens. The security situation in Afghanistan remains dangerous in several provinces. Terror groups operating in Afghanistan have escalated violent activities including targeting civilians. Indian nationals are not exceptions, and they additionally face a serious threat of kidnapping,” The Embassy further added, “While travelling on roads, maintain distance from possible targets like military convoys, vehicles of government ministries/offices, high ranking officials, law enforcement agencies, and avoid visiting crowded markets, shopping complexes, mandis, restaurants and other public places,”

The Embassy also revealed targeted attacks which include incidents of roadside IED blasts and magnetic IEDs against civilian vehicles. They also suggested avoid travelling outside the main cities should be strictly avoided, the embassy advisory said, asking Indians to register with the website: https://eoi.gov.in/kabul/ or by email to paw.kabul@mea.gov.in.

The US and NATO are on the verge of completing their final troops withdrawal from Afghanistan. The country’s interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said the situation not only demanded containment of the influx of refugees from Afghanistan but also the entry of armed army personnel and terrorists into neighbouring Pakistan.

Meanwhile,  more than 30 Taliban terrorists were killed and 17 other suffered injuries in Afghan Air Force airstrikes in Jawzjan and southern Helmand province on Friday. These airstrikes took place as Afghanistan is witnessing a surge in violence as the Taliban have intensified their offensive against Afghan forces and civilians with the complete pullback of foreign forces. The Taliban now control about half of the 419 district centres in Afghanistan.