Hundreds of Shiite Civilians Armed to Provide Protection at Religious Sites during Muharram
Category: Instability
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
09/20/2017 (Afghanistan) - Media reports on Wednesday, 20 September, indicate that hundreds of Shiite civilians have been armed by the government in an initiative aimed at protecting religious sites during the mourning month of Muharram. Afghanistan's three million Shiites, particularly the Hazara community, have regularly been targeted in militant attacks with a number of recent bombings targeting gatherings, mosques and other religious sites. These attacks often increase during religious holidays such as Muharram, which begins on 21 September, and particularly around the Arusha festival which this year falls on 29 and 30 September. The move comes as the Afghan government considers arming more civilian militia as a measure against Taliban and Islamic State-affiliated militants in the country. Additional police and military personnel are also expected to be deployed at religious sites, particularly those associated with the Shiite minority.
Those in Afghanistan are advised to exercise a heightened level of vigilance during Muharram, particularly around Arusha, and minimise non-essential travel in the vicinity of religious sites and other high profile targets for militant attack. Travellers should monitor local media sources for further updates on security operations and developments in their particular area of operations and heed any directives issued by local authorities. Afghanistan remains a high-risk operational environment, and deployments should only be undertaken with the strictest possible security procedures and journey management protocols in place. Travellers should use a vetted security provider that offers close protection and emergency response services, and be aware that foreigners, along with local and international military installations and personnel, present opportune targets for militants.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
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