Afghanistan Invites Americans For A 'Vacation' In Bizarre Video With Hostage Twist

Last Updated:July 10, 2025, 21:21 IST

The 50-second clip begins with what appears to be a hostage scene: three people kneeling with bags over their heads.

The 50-second clip begins with what appears to be a hostage scene. (Image Credit: Instagram)

A new promotional video circulating on Taliban-linked social media accounts attempted to rebrand Afghanistan as a tourist destination, inviting Americans to visit. The 50-second clip begins with what appears to be a hostage scene: three people kneeling with bags over their heads and surrounded by armed grim-faced men. One looks into the camera and says, “We have one message for America."

Moments later, the bag is pulled off one man’s head and the tone abruptly shifts. He smiles, gives a thumbs-up, and says, “Welcome to Afghanistan!" What follows is a bizarre montage of scenes: a man uses a tank’s barrel for chin-ups, another treads water while holding a machine gun, tourists dine alongside parrots, pose in front of waterfalls and inspect menus on tablets. A smiling man even shows off a US government-issued M4 rifle as a laughing voice remarks, “It’s not even on safety."

Ross Thomson, CEO of global crisis evacuation firm Covac Global, said the video is dangerously misleading.

“Afghanistan is only for very advanced travelers- those who fully understand the risks," Ross Thomson told The Independent, adding, “It may appear less volatile than a few years ago, but underneath that calm is a complex, fragile, and highly dangerous environment. Remember, you are technically a guest of the Taliban. Not long ago, that status alone would’ve gotten you kidnapped."

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News world Afghanistan Invites Americans For A 'Vacation' In Bizarre Video With Hostage Twist