Afghanistan warning

The State Department warns against travel in Afghanistan American citizens. The threat to the security of all citizens of the United States in Afghanistan remains critical. This replaces the warning for the Afghanistan released on August 13, 2010, to remind us citizens of ongoing security, including kidnappings and attacks by insurgents. No part of the Afghanistan must be considered as shelter from the violence, and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts targeted or random, against the United States and other Western nationals at any time. Remnants of the former Taliban regime and the terrorist network al-Qaeda, as well as other groups hostile to the military operations of the International Assistance Force security (ISAF), remain active. There is an ongoing threat to kidnap and assassinate U.S. citizens and the Organization Non Government (NGO) workers throughout the country. Afghan authorities have limited capacity to maintain order and ensure the security of Afghan citizens and foreign visitors. Travel in all areas of the Afghanistan is dangerous due to operations of military combat, landmines, banditry, armed rivalry among political and tribal groups and the possibility of terrorist attacks, including attacks using vehicles or other explosive devices (IEDs) improvised. The security environment remains volatile and unpredictable. In August 2010, a group of doctors, nurses and medical practitioners, including six Americans, was shot and killed near their vehicles in the province of Badakhshan, as they have completed a tour of the medical aid in remote areas of the neighbouring province of Nuristan. Also in the province of Badakhshan in spring 2010, a group of citizen U.S. missionaries who would have to be proselytizing in the area encountered hostility and necessary evacuation of the area by the Ministry of the Interior and the Embassy of the United States. In Kandahar, the campaign of assassination against representatives of the Government, their associates or anyone connected to the Government, is continuing. The number of attacks throughout the South and the regions of South-East of the country are growing insurgent and drug-related activity, and no part of the Afghanistan is immune to the violence. Kabul is also considered to be high risk for militant attacks, including the rocket, vehicle borne improvised explosive devices and suicide attacks. Five workers of the United Nations (UN) were killed in an attack on a UN guesthouse in Kabul in October 2009. More than 20 attacks have been reported in Kabul over the past year, although many additional attacks were thwarted by Afghan forces and coalition. Recent incidents include the bombing of a Kabul supermarket popular with Westerners and an attack on the complex Kabul city centre, which includes a hotel frequented by foreign visitors. Insurgents have also taken to target offices, convoys and individual implementing partners of the Agency for International Development United States. The attack against a Kandahar guesthouse, April 15, 2010, with the attack of A mentioned above, highlights the growing threat against the pension. Buildings or compounds which were not robust security compared to neighbouring facilities may be regarded as targets of opportunity by insurgents. The Kabul-Jalalabad road (commonly called Jalalabad Road) and the Kabul to Bagram road are very restricted for embassy employees and, if the situation warrants, sometimes completely prohibited. Riots and incidents of civil disturbance can and often occur without warning. American citizens should avoid rallies and demonstrations; even intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Ambushes, robberies and violent crime remain a problem. American citizens involved in litigation of property or business - a common legal problem in Afghanistan - have indicated that their adversaries in the disputes have threatened their lives. American citizens who are in such situations should not assume that the police authorities or the Embassy of the United States will be able to help. From time to time, depending on current security conditions, the Embassy of the United States place places frequented by foreigners in its staff. The potential target areas include key national or international government institutions, international organizations and other places with expatriate staff and public areas popular with the expatriate community. Private U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to take account of these restrictions as well and can get the latest information by visiting the site of the Embassy below. From time to time, depending on current security conditions, the Embassy of the United States place places frequented by foreigners in its staff. Potential target areas include key national or international government institutions, international organizations and other places with expatriate staff and public areas popular with the community of expatriates such as restaurants. Private U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to take account of these restrictions as well and can get the latest information by visiting the website the Embassy security announcements. Ability of the Embassy of the United States to provide emergency consular services to American citizens in Afghanistan is limited, particularly for people outside the capital. American citizens who choose to visit or remain in Afghanistan despite this travel warning are encouraged to register for the United States Embassy in Kabul through the Department of State Smart traveller registration program (STEP) for updated information on travel and security within the Afghanistan. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the Embassy of the United States. Register makes them easier for the Embassy to contact U.S. citizens in an emergency. The Embassy of the United States is located in Masood Highway between Radio Afghanistan and the Ministry of public health (the road is also known as Bebe Mahro or airport road) in Kabul. Embassy telephone numbers are 93-(0) 700-108-001 and 93-(0) 700-108-002. For after hours emergencies, life or limb involving American citizens, the Consular Section can be reached at 93-(0) 700-201-908. Please direct common consular USConsulKabul@state.gov. Current information on travel and security in Afghanistan can be obtained from the Department of State by calling the 1-888-407-4747 without charge to the United States and the Canada or, for the appellants outside the Canada and the United States, regular toll-free line at 1-202-501-4444. For more information, please consult the specific information of countries for the Afghanistan and the warning in the current world, which are available on the Office of Consular Affairs Internet website.