A powerful explosion struck a Chinese restaurant in Kabul’s Shahr-e-Naw area on Monday, killing at least seven people and injuring over a dozen others.
The attack targeted the Chinese Noodle restaurant, popular with the local Chinese Muslim community. Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran confirmed that one Chinese national, identified as Ayub, and six Afghans lost their lives. Several others were wounded in the blast.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, with ambulances and police vehicles arriving quickly. Windows of nearby buildings shattered, and debris covered the busy street, known for its flower vendors.
Islamic State claims responsibility
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack. According to the SITE Intelligence Group, the bombing was a suicide attack aimed at Chinese nationals. The statement cited “escalating crimes against Uyghur Muslims by the Chinese government” as the motive.
Italian NGO EMERGENCY reported that seven victims arrived dead at their hospital, while 13 others were admitted for surgery. Among the wounded were four women and a child. Witnesses said the explosion occurred around 3:30 pm local time.
The restaurant was operated by a Chinese Muslim couple along with an Afghan partner. It mainly served Chinese Muslims. Shahr-e-Naw is home to offices, embassies, and shopping centers, and is considered one of Kabul’s safer districts.
Chinese business visitors have been returning to Afghanistan since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, despite ongoing security risks. This attack is the second claimed by the Islamic State targeting Chinese nationals in Kabul in recent years.
Pakistan condemns the attack
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the bombing, expressing grief for the victims and calling for accountability. He noted that the Taliban have not fully prevented Afghan soil from being used for terrorism, as promised under the Doha Agreement. Zardari emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to preventing safe havens for terrorist groups and ensuring regional security.
In other news read more about Blast in Kabul Leaves Several Dead, Dozens Injured
The attack highlights the persistent threat posed by extremist groups like the Islamic State in Afghanistan, especially against foreign nationals and minority communities. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and secure the area.
