Kabul authorities dismantle wall surrounding US embassy Amid city reconstruction

Kabul’s local authorities have demolished the wall surrounding the US Embassy as part of an ongoing effort to improve the capital city.

The decision to dismantle the wall was made in line with the city’s urban reconstruction plans and in response to protests from local residents, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The US Embassy, situated in a central and historically significant area of Kabul, had been surrounded by the wall for security reasons.

The report highlighted that the construction of the wall by the US had led to claims that the embassy’s presence effectively "occupied" a prominent part of the city. The authorities justified the removal of the structure by emphasizing the aim of improving the well-being of local residents and enhancing the public space in the area.

The action reflects broader efforts by the Kabul administration to reshape the city’s landscape and address grievances from residents concerning the embassy’s fortifications.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate has praised the reopening of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Kabul, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Kabul announced that it had resumed its diplomatic operations in Afghanistan. Following the fall of the republican government on August 15, 2021, many countries closed their embassies in Kabul, halting official diplomatic activities in the country.

On November 30, 2021, a 14-member Saudi diplomatic team returned to Kabul to provide consular services for Afghan citizens. However, a year later, due to security concerns, Saudi diplomats had temporarily relocated to Pakistan.

By Vafa Guliyeva