The Indian embassy in Kabul on Friday warned Indian citizens in Afghanistan to review their security and to avoid areas frequented by foreigners because of the possibility of terror attacks and hostage-taking.
The advisory came days after the US embassy in Kabul issued two separate alerts on Wednesday and Thursday, warning of possible suicide and coordinated attacks or attempts to kidnap foreigners.
“The embassy advises all Indians in Afghanistan to live and work with adequate security precautions. All should review their personal security plans, take appropriate steps to enhance personal safety, remain aware of surroundings, monitor local media for updates, and maintain a high level of vigilance,” the alert from the Indian mission said.
“All Indians residing in Afghanistan and Indian travellers to Afghanistan are advised that the security situation in Afghanistan remains highly volatile. Terrorist attacks have taken place in many parts of the country against a variety of targets including foreigners and are expected to continue,” it said.
“There is also the risk of kidnapping and hostage-taking throughout the Afghanistan.”
{{/usCountry}}“There is also the risk of kidnapping and hostage-taking throughout the Afghanistan.”
{{/usCountry}}The Indian mission said all “non-essential movements, especially during peak commuting hours may be avoided, as also unknown areas and establishments frequented by foreigners”.
The movement of Indian citizens “should not have a predictable pattern and vehicles should be parked in secure premises”, it added.
The US embassy had earlier said an attempted kidnapping had occurred in Kabul on May 2, targeting “several expatriates including a US citizen”. It said the threat of kidnapping and hostage-taking “continues to be very high”.
Afghanistan has witnessed a spike in violence since the Taliban launched their spring offensive last month. Sixty-four people were killed and more than 300 injured in a Taliban suicide attack on April 19 that targeted a security team which protects VIPs.