Warden Message
U.S. Embassy Kabul
August 15, 2009
At approximately 0835 this morning, a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) detonated near the ISAF headquarters vehicle entrance not far from the U.S. Embassy. Reports indicate as many as seven people were killed and 91 injured. This attack illustrates the significant threat that American citizens face throughout Afghanistan. American citizens are advised to be alert to the continued possibility of terrorist attacks. There is a continuing threat from terrorism throughout Afghanistan and the upcoming elections provide terrorist groups an opportunity or pretext to stage an attack. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
Extremists may use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include polling stations, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, and locales where people gather in large numbers, including during the elections.
The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in Afghanistan. Americans are reminded that explosions, shooting, demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. Current intelligence reports suggest that the Taliban, al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.
We take this opportunity to remind American citizens of the continuing threats outlined in the current Travel Warning for Afghanistan and Worldwide Caution. The full text of each can be found at http://travel.state.gov. Updated information may also be obtained by visiting the American Embassy in Kabul’s website http://usembassy.state.gov/afghanistan/ or by contacting the American Embassy in Kabul at usconsulkabul@state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, outside the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for Afghanistan, available on the Embassy’s website at http://kabul.usembassy.gov, and also at http://travel.state.gov.
The U.S. Embassy is located at Great Masood Road between Radio Afghanistan and the Ministry of Public Health (the road is also known as Bebe Mahro or Airport Road) in Kabul. The phone number is +93-700-108-001 or +93-700-108-002; the Consular Section can be reached for after-hours emergencies at +93-700-201-908. The American service section is open for non-emergency services from 8am to 4:30pm, Sunday to Thursday.