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Home . International Insurance News . Asia . Increasing violence ahead of Afghanistan's run-off election

Increasing violence ahead of Afghanistan's run-off election

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

On 28 October 2009, Taleban militants launched a gun and bomb attack on a guesthouse used by the United Nations in the Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, killing at least six UN staff members, all of them foreign nationals. The gunmen reportedly gained access to the guest house, located in the central Shar-e-Now area of the city, by dressing as Afghan policemen. In a separate incident on the same day, mortars were launched at the five-star Serena hotel in the city; however the hotel did not receive a direct hit and no casualties were reported. The attacks come just days ahead of the run-off presidential elections, planned for 7 November, after the first round, held on 20 August, was marred by serious allegations of fraud and voter intimidation. Although incumbent president, Hamid Karzai, allegedly won the August poll by securing 55 percent of the vote, with his closest rival Abdullah Abdullah obtaining only 28 percent, an investigation commission found widespread evidence to support the fraud allegations and consequently nullified thousands of votes. This reduced Karzai's percentage of the vote to below an outright majority, forcing a run-off with Abdullah.

Terrorist activity has spiked dramatically in Afghanistan during 2009 and NATO forces have recorded their highest number of casualties since the 2001 US-led invasion. A number of high profile terrorist incidents also occurred in the country in the run up to the August presidential election, including a rocket attack on the Kabul International Airport on 4 August, a suicide bombing in the central diplomatic area of Kabul near the NATO Headquarters and United States embassy on 15 August, and a rocket attack on the presidential palace on 18 August; all claimed by the Taleban. The group has subsequently declared its intention to disrupt the upcoming presidential run-off and has warned of further attacks in the lead up to the poll. The vote itself will be held amid further heightened security, although it is highly likely that Taleban militants will attempt attacks on government targets, polling stations and foreign interests on the day. At least 73 gun, bomb and rocket attacks were recorded across the country during the August election.

The recent attacks also highlight the Taleban's expanding and evolving operational capabilities, particularly in areas surrounding Kabul province, namely the Wardak, Ghazni, Logar, Kapisa, Nangarhar and Parwan provinces. While the group has a firm foothold in the south of the country and along the border with Pakistan, it has the ability to launch attacks in any part of the country, including in larger urban centres, such as Herat, Kandahar, Khost and Kabul. Bombings, gun attacks, kidnapping and general conflict-related acts of violence remain a threat throughout most of the country. Prime targets include Afghanistan and NATO security forces, Western interests (hotels, embassies, restaurants, nationals, NGOs), the UN and its personnel, government buildings and transport interests; apart from threats to the aviation sector, including at Kabul International Airport, the risk from roadside bombs, ambushes, landmines and other unexploded ordnance is an ongoing concern along all major routes in the country.

Due to the ongoing security threats in the country, emphasised by the latest attacks in Kabul, red24 continues to advise against all travel to Afghanistan. Any personnel who do conduct business in the country are strongly recommended to ensure that they have robust security precautions in place, including security escorts. For more information on the provision of these services, please contact red24.

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