Blog

ISIS Group Claims Responsibility for Attack on Afghanistan’s Shia Minority

A deadly bomb blast targeted a minibus in Kabul on Sunday, killing at least one person and injuring 11 others, according to Afghan authorities. The attack occurred in Dasht-e Barchi, a predominantly Shiite area in western Kabul that has been the site of frequent attacks.

Khalid Zadran, a police spokesperson, confirmed the casualties and said an investigation is underway. The blast was reportedly caused by a magnetic bomb attached to the bus, according to a Kabul-based emergency international humanitarian organization, which has been aiding victims of war in Afghanistan. The charity took to X (formerly Twitter) to report that its surgical center had received eight of the wounded, including three women, with one patient in particularly critical condition.

The Afghan branch of the terrorist organization ISIS – Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), has claimed responsibility for the attack. IS-K has a history of targeting Shiite communities in Afghanistan, including previous attacks in the Dasht-e Barchi area.

The bombing took place just days before a public holiday declared by the Taliban government on August 14, marking the “victory day” against U.S.-led forces. The Taliban, who reclaimed power in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, have faced little resistance since their takeover. However, both the United States and the United Nations have warned of the growing threat posed by IS-K in the region.

Despite these warnings, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid dismissed concerns over terrorism in Afghanistan as “unfounded propaganda.” He insisted that Taliban counterterrorism efforts have significantly weakened IS-K, and that the government remains firmly in control of the country. 

The latest attack, however, suggests that the threat of violence is far from over in Afghanistan, especially in vulnerable communities.

If you value our journalism…

TMJ News is committed to remaining an independent, reader-funded news platform. A small donation from our valuable readers like you keeps us running so that we can keep our reporting open to all! We’ve launched a fundraising campaign to raise the $10,000 we need to meet our publishing costs this year, and it’d mean the world to us if you’d make a monthly or one-time donation to help. If you value what we publish and agree that our world needs alternative voices like ours in the media, please give what you can today.

Author

Related

Never Miss Out, Sign up for Weekly Newsletter

    SUPPORT

    TMJ News Network

    TMJ News Network is depends on your financial support.
    Donate

    Work With Us

    Back To Top