OTTAWA, Canada: Canada has warned its citizens against all travel to Afghanistan, saying the security situation remains highly volatile and dangerous and that the risks of terrorism, kidnapping and arbitrary detention by the Taliban regime remain high.
In its latest travel advisory, the Canadian government urged Canadians already in Afghanistan to exercise caution if they need to move to a safer location and to review their personal security plans.
Canada said foreign nationals and people with links to Western countries face risks of kidnapping and violence by terrorist groups. They also face a heightened risk of arbitrary detention by the Taliban regime, the advisory added.
The government said the risk was particularly high for people who had links to the former Afghan government or who were considered to have violated Taliban regime rules.
Risk of arbitrary detention
According to the advisory, the Taliban regime may accuse foreign nationals, including people with both Afghan and foreign citizenship, of espionage.
Humanitarian workers and journalists may also have their activities and movements monitored, Canada said.
People who come under suspicion may have their passports confiscated and could be detained arbitrarily for extended periods, the advisory warned.
Canadian citizens have previously been detained in Afghanistan and, in some cases, denied access to Canadian consular officials, family members or lawyers, it said.
Canada’s embassy in Afghanistan remains suspended, while Ottawa’s ability to provide consular services and other assistance to Canadians in the country is described as extremely limited.
Terrorism and kidnapping threats in Afghanistan
The advisory said the terrorist threat remained present across Afghanistan, including in Kabul and other major cities, and warned that attacks could occur at any time.
It said terrorist groups remained active and could target foreigners, security and defence personnel, non-governmental organisation workers, journalists and media staff, health workers and other civilians.
Criminal groups involved in kidnapping for ransom also pose a threat, according to the advisory.
Canada warned that criminal groups could sell hostages to terrorist organisations, potentially resulting in victims being held captive for years.
Terrorist and criminal groups may also establish fake checkpoints and roadblocks to carry out robberies, kidnappings and other attacks, the government said.
Women face particular risks
The Canadian advisory also highlighted risks faced by women in Afghanistan.
It said women face particular risks of harassment and abuse, including from Taliban regime members.
The warning comes amid continued restrictions on women and girls under the Taliban, who returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021 after the withdrawal of US-led international forces.
