us advises against travel to afghanistan
Published on: December 19, 2023.
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**Rewritten Article:**
Taliban Vigilance Amidst Rice Distribution in Kabul Raises Safety Concerns
The US Department of State has issued an advisory, urging its citizens to avoid traveling to Afghanistan due to security concerns. The advisory specifically highlights the risk of terrorism, wrongful detention, kidnapping, and crime.
Regardless of the purpose, the advisory strongly advises US citizens against visiting the country. “US citizens should not travel to Afghanistan for any reason,” the advisory emphasizes.
Following the Taliban’s assumption of control in 2021 and the establishment of an “interim government” in Kabul, the US Embassy suspended operations. Consequently, the US government is unable to provide emergency consular services to its citizens in Afghanistan.
The advisory points out the presence of numerous active terrorist groups in the country, which poses a threat to US citizens. The Taliban is specifically mentioned as a potential source of kidnapping and wrongful detentions. The Department of State has assessed that there is a risk of wrongful detention of US citizens by the Taliban.
Foreigners’ activities may be viewed with suspicion, and the reasons for detention can be unclear, according to the advisory.
Even if registered with the appropriate authorities for business purposes, the risk of detention remains high. “The Taliban do not regularly permit the United States to conduct welfare checks on US citizens in detention, including by phone,” the State Department warns.
Detention can be prolonged, and while detained, US citizens have limited or no access to medical attention and may face physical abuse.
With the US Embassy in Kabul non-operational, the Department of State acknowledges its limited capacity to provide consular assistance within Afghanistan. It advises US citizens in Afghanistan to contact any US embassy or consulate located outside the country.
US citizens who are currently in Afghanistan are strongly urged to depart immediately via commercial means if possible, according to the advisory.
In response to the advisory, the spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, Zabiullah Mujahid, has disputed the claims, asserting that Afghanistan is safe and foreign nationals face no threats, as reported by Tolo News.
**Source:** [Tribune](https://tribune.com.pk)
