Both the United States and Britain urged their citizens today, Monday, to avoid hotels in the Afghan capital, Kabul, particularly the famous Serena Hotel. The U.S. State Department stated that "American citizens located at or near the Serena Hotel should leave immediately," citing "security threats" in the area. The British Foreign Office also updated its travel advice for Afghanistan, stating: "In light of increasing risks in Afghan territory, it is advised not to stay in hotels, especially in Kabul (such as the Serena Hotel)."
It is noteworthy that the Serena is one of the most famous luxury hotels in the capital and was widely popular among foreign visitors before the city fell into the hands of the Taliban about eight weeks ago (mid-August 2021). The hotel has also been the target of attacks by extremists twice over the past years.
Recent warnings come after ISIS claimed responsibility for a devastating bombing in the northern city of Kunduz that targeted a mosque during Friday prayers, marking one of the deadliest attacks since U.S. forces left the country last August. It is also worth mentioning that just days before the withdrawal of foreign coalition forces from the country, Kabul witnessed a double suicide bombing near the capital's airport and a nearby hotel, which resulted in dozens of civilian casualties, in addition to more than 13 American soldiers, an attack later claimed by ISIS.
At that time, General Kenneth McKenzie, the commander of U.S. Central Command responsible for Afghanistan, explained that the Abbey Gate leading to the airport experienced two explosions carried out by suicide bombers belonging to ISIS's "Khorasan Province," followed by gunfire directed toward civilians and soldiers by members of the terrorist organization.
The issue of the return of terrorism to Afghanistan or its transformation once again into a haven for al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations has long been a top priority for both Washington and the international community, amid serious concerns about the resurgence of extremist groups.
