ISIS-K Claims Deadly Suicide Bombing at Kabul Chinese Restaurant, Killing Seven Including Chinese National
KABUL, Afghanistan — A suicide bombing at a Chinese restaurant in Kabul’s Shahr-e-Naw neighborhood on Monday claimed the lives of seven people, including one Chinese national, as the Islamic State’s Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) claimed responsibility for the attack. Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani confirmed to The New York Times that the suicide bomber was linked to ISIS-K, a violent faction known for its brutal insurgency in the region.
The explosion, which also injured several others, has heightened concerns about the security situation in Afghanistan, where ISIS-K continues to carry out deadly attacks despite efforts by local authorities and international partners to curb extremist violence. Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran reported on social media platform X that six Afghan nationals were among the victims.
ISIS-K has explicitly targeted Chinese interests in Afghanistan as part of its broader campaign against Beijing, citing retaliation for the Chinese government’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims, a persecuted minority group in China’s Xinjiang region. The group has also condemned the Afghan government’s growing ties with China, framing the relationship as a betrayal of Muslim solidarity.
This attack comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving China’s expanding influence in Afghanistan, especially through infrastructure investments and economic partnerships. The targeting of Chinese nationals underscores the risks faced by foreign workers and businesses operating in volatile environments.
Security analysts note that ISIS-K’s strategy aims to destabilize the region further by exploiting ethnic and religious grievances. The group’s ability to carry out such attacks despite intensified counterterrorism operations raises questions about the effectiveness of current security measures.
Efforts by the Department of Homeland Security and allied agencies to monitor and counter terrorist threats have increased in response to ISIS-K’s activities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to collaborate internationally to track extremist networks and prevent attacks on U.S. interests and allies.
China’s government has condemned the bombing and vowed to enhance security for its citizens abroad. The incident also draws attention to the challenges faced by international businesses in conflict zones, where geopolitical rivalries and insurgent violence intersect.
As Kabul’s residents mourn the victims, local authorities have reinforced security protocols around foreign establishments and public venues. The attack serves as a grim reminder of the persistent threat posed by ISIS-K and the fragile nature of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
For more information on terrorism threats and counterterrorism efforts, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency websites.
Leave a Reply