Indian Embassy in Afghanistan cautions citizens as Taliban escalates violence

All Indians living, working and staying in Afghanistan  are "advised to exercise utmost vigilance and caution with regard to security at workplace, place of residence and also during the movement to their place of work," the advisory reads, underscoring that the "security situation in Afghanistan remains dangerous in several provinces.

"It is recommended that all types of non-essential movements be avoided. Movements especially during peak commuting hours should also be avoided. While traveling on roads, maintain distance from possible targets like military convoys, vehicles of government ministries or offices, high ranking officials, law enforcement agencies, and avoid visiting crowded markets, shopping complexes, mandis, restaurants, and other public places," it said.

Indian companies working in the country have been asked to make special arrangements to ensure the well being of their employees.

"As recent tragic events showed, it is essential that all Indian press-persons covering events on the ground establish contact with the Public Affairs and Security Wing of this Embassy for a personalised briefing, including specific advice for the locale they are traveling to," the statement further read.

According to an AFP report, Afghanistan's Interior Ministry said: "To curb violence and limit the Taliban movements a night curfew has been imposed in 31 provinces across the country," except in Kabul, Panjshir and Nangarhar, the interior ministry.

Taliban has made huge strides in Afghanistan, capturing large swaths of land since US and NATO forces started pulling out of the country, nearly 20 years after it waged a war against al-Qaeda.