Kabul, Afghanistan – The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS) has claimed responsibility for a deadly explosion at a Chinese restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan, which killed at least seven people, including a Chinese national. The attack underscores continuing security challenges in Afghanistan, even under Taliban rule, and highlights ISIL’s focus on targeting foreign nationals.

Suicide Bombing at Chinese Noodle Restaurant

According to ISIL’s Aamaq news agency, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest inside the restaurant, which is located in Kabul’s busy Shahr-e-Naw commercial district. The militant group claimed the attack killed or wounded 25 people, including Taliban guards, and linked the assault to “growing crimes by the Chinese government against Uighurs.” ISIL further threatened Chinese nationals residing or working in Afghanistan.

The restaurant, which serves the Chinese Muslim community, was co-owned by a Chinese Muslim man, Abdul Majid, his wife, and an Afghan partner, Abdul Jabbar Mahmood. It had become a popular venue for Chinese business visitors and residents in Kabul.

Casualties and Injuries

Authorities confirmed that seven people were killed in the blast, including:

• One Chinese national identified only as Ayub
• Six Afghan nationals

Additionally, five Chinese nationals were reported injured, prompting urgent appeals from Beijing for the Taliban to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens.

China Urges Taliban to Protect Nationals

Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized at a news briefing that Afghanistan must “spare no effort” in treating the wounded and safeguarding Chinese citizens and investments. China has maintained close ties with the Taliban government since it took control of Afghanistan in 2021, with Chinese business delegations frequently visiting the country.

While Beijing denies allegations of widespread human rights abuses against the Uighur population in its Xinjiang region, ISIL linked the attack to China’s policies in Xinjiang, highlighting the group’s use of anti-China rhetoric to justify violence abroad.

Taliban Security Measures and Challenges

Taliban authorities face increasing challenges in providing security for both Afghan citizens and foreign nationals. Despite repeated promises to restore stability, Afghanistan has witnessed frequent bombings and militant attacks, many of which are claimed by the local affiliate of ISIL.

Mufti Abdul Mateen Qani, Ministry of Interior spokesperson, stated that the cause of the explosion is still under investigation, while police spokesperson Khalid Zadran confirmed the deaths and provided details of the victims.

Context: ISIL Activity in Afghanistan

Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, ISIL-Khorasan Province (ISIL-K) has carried out a series of high-profile attacks, often targeting foreign nationals, government institutions, and minority groups. Security analysts warn that these attacks aim to destabilize the Taliban administration and deter foreign investment, particularly from countries like China, which has invested heavily in Afghan infrastructure and commercial ventures.

International Response

The attack has drawn immediate international concern. Beijing has called on the Taliban government to:

• Intensify protection for Chinese citizens in Afghanistan
• Investigate the incident thoroughly
• Prevent future attacks targeting foreign nationals

Meanwhile, the Taliban have condemned the attack and pledged to increase security measures in Kabul, particularly around areas frequented by foreign visitors and Chinese enterprises.