Mazar - Kabul road: safe?

[JnKln]

Hey,

How is the security situation in Mazar affected since Balch borders Kunduz district?
And what about the road Mazar-Kabul?
Any information?

Btw this is a recent estimation about Taliban activity in Afghanistan:
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/intera ... 28213.html

- Jan

[SPR11]

I'm in contact with several people in the area. Mazar itself is considered "safe". It is adviced to fly between Mazar and Kabul, since the road goes through Taliban invested areas and illegal checkpoints have been known to pup up.

[SPR11]

Latest update: road between Mazar and Kabul is a definite no go! Parts of the road are closed off for all civilian transport. Only option is to fly between cities.

[JnKln]

Update January 2017:

We went Kabul-Mazar-Kabul on a public bus via Salang and didn't face any but 3 legal police checkpoints, the ride was easy and relaxed. We were in contact with a handful of people (including govermental employees) before we went and all of them confirmed that the road is “safe“. There have been robberies in Baghlan though, right after Salang but these only occur in darkness. So it's recomended to take an early morning bus. A trustworthy company is e.g. “Sarak Panjsheer“ (10$, 8h).
The city of Mazar-e Sharif appeared safe. Even after sunset one can walk relatively easily. People though disencouraged us from going to Balkh town due to security threats. The road to Hairatan/Termez border is also considered safe.
Kabul-Panjsheer is also ok.

Of course you should never rely on old information but always double-check the most recent and local before you go anywhere by road. And local clothes are recomendable as well.

- Jan

[Solsticio]

Thanks JnKln, that is really useful information for my trip.