U.S. Embassy issues security threat post Kabul bombing

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul has issued a fresh security alerts for its citizens in Afghanistan after as many as 80 people were killed and several others injured in a suicide car bomb attack in Kabul's diplomatic enclave area on Wednesday.

The embassy said it has advised the U.S. citizens in Kabul to avoid travelling to the area where the explosion occurred.

"As a precaution, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul is cancelling all appointments for routine American Citizen Services on the afternoon of May 31, 2017. U.S. citizens needing emergency assistance can call the American Citizen Services section at 070-011-4000 or send an email to KabulACS@state.gov," the U.S. Embassy in Kabul said in a statement.

"The U.S Embassy reminds all U.S. citizens that serious threats to safety and security exist in the city of Kabul and throughout Afghanistan," the statement added.

The embassy informed that militant groups usually plan attacks against locations and individuals with potential American connections, including Afghan and the U.S. Government facilities, foreign embassies, military installations, commercial entities, non-governmental organization offices, restaurants, hotels, airports, and educational centres.

It further said that threat of kidnapping is high and the potential also exists for protests to occur in Afghan cities at short notice.

The embassy advised that travel to all areas of Afghanistan remains unsafe due to the ongoing risk of kidnapping, hostage taking, military combat operations, landmines, banditry, armed rivalry between political and tribal groups, militant attacks, direct and indirect fire, suicide bombings, and insurgent attacks, including attacks using vehicle-borne or other improvised explosive devices.

"In accordance with the Travel Warning for Afghanistan, the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan," the statement read.

The U.S. Embassy urged all U.S. citizens in Afghanistan to review their personal security plans, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal safety, remain aware of your surroundings, monitor local news for updates, and maintain a high level of vigilance.

Tolo News reported that the blast was close to the Embassies of Germany and Iran and added that the explosion happened o 14th Street of the Wazir Akbar Khan diplomatic area of the city.

Many foreign embassies are located in the area, including the American and Canadian missions.

The Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) has deployed its team in the area for rescue and counter-insurgency operations.