The U.S. State Department has reissued a travel advisory, warning against travel to Afghanistan due to “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, civil unrest, kidnapping, and crime.”
“U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) should not travel to Afghanistan to accompany eligible family members for relocation,” the department stated.
The travel advisory, classified as level 4, which warns against any type of travel to the country, was issued on Monday, July 29, on the State Department’s website.
Earlier this month, the Washington Examiner reported, citing a U.S. State Department official, that three American citizens are currently held in Taliban custody: George Glezmann, Mahmood Habibi, and Ryan Corbett.
The U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in 2021. The State Department has noted that the U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan.
The advisory highlighted that multiple terrorist groups are active in the country, and U.S. citizens are targets of kidnapping and hostage-taking. “The Taliban have harassed and detained aid and humanitarian workers. The activities of foreigners may be viewed with suspicion, and reasons for detention may be unclear. Even if you are registered with the appropriate authorities to conduct business, the risk of detention is high,” it added.
The department further stated, “There is a risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals in Afghanistan. The Taliban do not regularly permit the United States to conduct welfare checks on U.S. citizens in detention, including by phone. Detention can be lengthy. While in detention, U.S. citizens have limited or no access to medical attention and may be subject to physical abuse. The Taliban may not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual Afghan-U.S. citizen or have a claim to Afghan citizenship, which further limits our ability to assist.”
“Individuals should not travel to Afghanistan for any reason, including to accompany eligible family members for relocation,” the State Department reiterated.