Security Overview for Afghanistan

Afghanistan is highly volatile and unstable. The country is frequently on high alert and lawlessness prevails in many areas. Afghanistan's economy remains weak and crime is high due to endemic poverty and instability. There are few public services.

Foreigners risk being targeted for robbery, assault, murder and kidnapping because of their perceived wealth and for political reasons. Avoid traveling alone at all times. Limit travel to main thoroughfares and well-lit areas.

There is little in the way of regulated public transportation. Avoid buses and taxis, as they are subject to banditry and are often driven by criminals. Use private, professional transportation for all trips. Unexploded ordnance and mines are not marked, making travel perilous. Stay on main roads or within marked areas.

Civil unrest in Afghanistan is a concern for foreigners, especially among non-governmental organizations. Areas of particular concern include Helmand, Herat, Kandahar, Khost, Nangarhar, Oruzgan and Paktia. Demonstrations and protests may erupt at any time and may be violent. Anti-Western sentiments are high in parts of Afghanistan; unrest may target Western citizens or interests. Avoid all large gatherings.

Terrorist activity directed at foreigners and foreign interests is a constant risk. Emboldened Taliban forces are active in Afghanistan. Taliban cadres have threatened Afghans who work for or associate with foreigners and foreign organizations. Foreigners in Afghanistan, especially in Kabul, are at an increased risk for terrorist acts including kidnapping, rocket attacks, shootings and suicide bombings.

Opium smuggling, lawlessness and political rifts are hallmarks of the prevailing situation across Afghanistan. The national army and police forces have limited power outside Kabul. NATO-led military operations are ongoing in various parts of the country to varying degrees of effectiveness in the face of a resurgent Taliban.

Road travel outside Kabul is particularly dangerous. Many incidents of robbery have been reported along the Kabul-Kandahar and Kandahar-Spinboldak highways. Travel only in multi-vehicle convoys and leave your itinerary with a trusted contact at your point of departure.

The U.N. and foreign ministries of many Western governments have advised personnel to defer travel to Afghanistan, and numerous international aid organizations have suspended or ended their work in the country because of the security situation. Remain in constant contact with your embassy or consulate and consult them for the latest security information prior to any travel inside Afghanistan. Heed all official restrictions.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times, maintain as low a profile as possible and vary routes and times of daily travel. Strictly abide by any curfews.

Copyright © 2011 iJET International, Inc. All rights reserved.

CONTACT US

SOUND ADVICE

Clayton's Personal Security Handbook

OUR SERVICES

ABOUT CLAYTON

How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.