Threat of Kidnapping or Robbery

September 23, 2010

Over the past week there have been three attempts at either kidnapping or robbery on Jalalabad Road in the vicinity of Freedom Circle and Route Kara. These attempts consisted of puncturing tires of vehicles carrying westerners traveling on Jalalabad Road, and have occurred during the late afternoon or evening hours during heavy traffic. The attempts have been conducted by teams of at least three Afghan males described as being in their mid-20s.

The scenario occurs while a vehicle is stopped in heavy traffic. Two individuals approach the vehicle; one individual will distract the occupants of the vehicle while the other individual punctures a tire. Both individuals then depart the area. If the occupants of the vehicle with the punctured tire do not notice the flat tire, another individual in the vicinity notifies the occupants and offers assistance. In the previous incidents, when occupants of the vehicle stopped to change the flat tire, they were approached by person(s) who pounded on the window and ordered them to exit the vehicle.

If travel on Jalalabad Road is necessary, occupants should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially while stopped in heavy traffic.

U.S. citizens in Afghanistan should regularly monitor the Embassy’s website, and the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where Country Specific Information and the Travel Warning for Afghanistan are found.  In addition, the Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those traveling or living in foreign countries.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Great Masood Road between Radio Afghanistan and the Ministry of Public Health in Kabul.  To reach the American Citizens Services unit during business hours, please call 0700-108-499 or send us an e-mail.  You can also reach us through the Embassy’s switchboard by calling 0700-108-001/002.  For after-hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please call the Consular Duty Officer at 0700-201-908. 

Sincerely,

Consular Section
U.S. Embassy Kabul