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The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a deadly explosion at a Chinese restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan that killed at least seven people, including one Chinese national, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
According to a statement released on the group’s Aamaq news agency late Monday, a suicide bomber entered the restaurant in the Shahr-e-Naw district of Kabul and detonated an explosive vest during a gathering of Chinese nationals. The militant group claimed 25 people were killed or wounded in the attack, including Taliban guards, though these figures could not be independently verified.
Afghan Interior Ministry spokesperson Mufti Abdul Mateen Qani said Tuesday that the cause of the explosion was still under investigation. The Taliban, which now controls Afghanistan, has not officially confirmed the bombing was a suicide attack.
The Islamic State’s claim included a specific threat against Chinese nationals in Afghanistan, linking the attack to China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims. This targeting highlights escalating security concerns for Chinese interests in the country.
While most nations withdrew from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover in 2021, China has maintained a significant economic presence. Beijing has pursued business interests in Afghanistan but has yet to formally recognize the Taliban government diplomatically.
In response to the attack, China advised its citizens against traveling to Afghanistan and urged Chinese nationals and companies already in the country to strengthen security measures and evacuate from high-risk areas.
“China strongly condemns and resolutely opposes terrorism in all forms and supports Afghanistan and countries in the region in jointly combating all forms of terrorist violent acts,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a daily briefing in Beijing.
Guo confirmed that one Chinese national was killed and five others were wounded in the attack. He added that China is pressing Afghan authorities to “make every effort to treat the injured, further take effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese nationals and projects,” and to find and punish those responsible.
According to Kabul police spokesperson Khalid Zadran, the targeted restaurant was jointly owned by an Afghan man, a Chinese national, and his wife. The blast occurred near the restaurant’s kitchen, killing one Chinese citizen and six Afghans, with several others wounded.
The Italian charity EMERGENCY, which operates a surgical center near the site, reported receiving 20 casualties from the explosion, including seven people who were already dead upon arrival. The organization noted that the number of victims remains provisional.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that two Chinese citizens were seriously wounded in the attack and a security guard was killed. Footage aired by Afghan broadcaster Tolo News showed people running through the streets as smoke and dust filled the area.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the explosion in a statement, criticizing Afghanistan’s Taliban government for failing to uphold ceasefire agreements, particularly commitments to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks. His comments came after Tajik authorities announced that border guards had killed four gunmen who crossed into the country from Afghanistan overnight, though Afghan officials claimed the men were drug smugglers.
The Taliban has repeatedly denied allowing Afghan territory to be used by militant groups, but the Islamic State has continued to carry out attacks in the country since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
This attack represents one of the most significant targeting of Chinese interests in Afghanistan and could potentially affect China’s ongoing economic engagement with the Taliban-controlled government. The Islamic State’s specific targeting of Chinese nationals adds another layer of complexity to Afghanistan’s already volatile security situation and could influence China’s future approach to its investments and presence in the country.
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7 Comments
The Islamic State’s claim that this was a suicide bombing targeting Chinese is extremely worrying. The group seems intent on escalating tensions and undermining stability in Afghanistan. I hope the authorities can quickly determine the full facts and circumstances of this attack.
Agreed. The Islamic State is clearly trying to sow discord and destabilize the region. The Taliban will need to demonstrate their ability to maintain security and safeguard foreign nationals if they want to attract much-needed investment and economic development.
This is a tragic and concerning attack, especially given the targeting of Chinese nationals. Security for foreign interests in Afghanistan remains a major challenge for the Taliban government. It’s crucial that they work to prevent such violence and protect all civilians.
While the details are still emerging, this attack is a tragic reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan. With foreign nations largely withdrawn, the Taliban will be under pressure to prevent such violence and protect vulnerable populations.
You’re right, the Taliban faces immense challenges in establishing law and order. They’ll need to work closely with the international community to address terrorist threats and build a stable, secure environment for all Afghans.
This is a horrific incident that highlights the precarious security situation in Afghanistan. The Taliban will be under intense pressure to respond effectively and prevent similar attacks, especially those targeting foreign nationals. Restoring stability and security remains a daunting challenge for the new government.
It’s deeply concerning to see the Islamic State targeting Chinese citizens in Afghanistan. This attack could further complicate China’s engagement in the country and undermine regional stability. The Taliban must demonstrate their ability to provide security and prevent such violence.