Kabul Residents Demand Removal of Concrete Barriers Around Russian Embassy

Residents in the area surrounding the Russian Embassy in Kabul are calling for the removal of concrete barriers erected around the diplomatic mission.

Locals say the barriers have created significant challenges to their daily lives, complicating access to homes, shops and main roads. Khalil, a Kabul resident, said: "It would be good if these barriers are removed, our road would open because from this road we pass, we are forced to go a long way to reach the main road."

Mohammad Qais, another Kabul resident, told ToloNews: "Barriers have been collected from everywhere and only not removed from here. If concrete barriers are also removed from this area, the main road will become wider and people's problems will be solved."

Vehicle drivers in the area have also complained about longer routes and traffic congestion caused by the barriers, leading to wasted time, higher fuel consumption and increased fatigue. Ahmad Rashad, a driver, said: "Problems are created more in the evenings, especially in the afternoon and evening on this Deh-e-Aman road, where seven roads converge and become congested. Cars coming from the city mostly get stuck, and these barriers have become problematic."

Zabihullah, another driver, added: "We face too many problems, and concrete barriers have been removed in other parts of the city by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan except at the Russian Embassy."

The concrete barriers were installed in various parts of Kabul, particularly around embassies and important organizations, for security purposes in past years. They have since become a major concern for citizens.

Previously, the Ministry of Interior stated that the process of removing the barriers is ongoing, with many already cleared from areas across the capital.