ISIS-K Targets Chinese Restaurant In Kabul, Several Killed In Afghanistan Blast

Several people were killed in an explosion that struck a hotel and restaurant area in central Kabul, with new information indicating the attack was carried out by the Islamic State's Khorasan affiliate, ISIS-K.

The blast hit the Shahr-e-Naw neighbourhood, one of the most heavily guarded parts of the Afghan capital, raising fresh concerns over the security situation and the targeting of foreign interests in Afghanistan.

Taliban officials initially confirmed casualties, while later inputs from sources and medical organisations pointed to a higher death toll and specific targeting linked to China.

ISIS-K attack targets Chinese restaurant in Kabul

Sources familiar with the matter said the explosion targeted a Chinese restaurant operating from a hotel in Kabul's Shahr-e-Naw area. At least six people were killed in the attack, including two Chinese nationals. No group has officially claimed responsibility so far, but sources close to the Taliban said the operation was carried out by ISIS-K.

According to these sources, the attack was part of a deliberate campaign by ISIS-K aimed at Chinese interests in Afghanistan, reflecting the group's opposition to Beijing's growing engagement with the Taliban-led administration.

Taliban ministry confirms casualties, probe underway

The Taliban-run interior ministry confirmed deaths and injuries soon after the blast, saying details were still emerging.

"According to preliminary reports, a number of people were killed and injured," Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani told Reuters.

Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran said the explosion occurred at a hotel in the commercial Shahr-e-Naw neighbourhood, which houses major office buildings, shopping centres and embassies, and is considered among the safest areas of the Afghan capital.

"An explosion occurred in a hotel on Gulfaroshi Street in Shahr-e-Naw, the fourth district of Kabul city, causing casualties," Zadran said, without specifying the cause.

Hospital reports higher toll, dozens injured

Medical sources suggested the impact of the blast was severe. Italian NGO EMERGENCY, which runs a hospital in Kabul, said at least seven people were brought dead to its facility, while around 20 injured were admitted to its surgical centre, according to AFP.

Emergency responders and security personnel cordoned off the area as investigations continued into the exact nature of the explosion and those behind it.

Why ISIS-K is targeting China in Afghanistan

Sources said ISIS-K views China's diplomatic recognition, economic engagement and investment commitments as strengthening the Taliban government, which the group considers an ideological rival. ISIS-K reportedly labels the Taliban an "apostate nationalist authority" that prioritises state control over what it sees as a global jihadist mission.

The group's Salafi-jihadi ideology categorises China as a non-believing communist power, and its propaganda frequently references Beijing's policies in Xinjiang to justify attacks against Chinese nationals and interests. ISIS-K is also believed to be attempting to recruit Central Asian and Uyghur fighters by projecting itself as an alternative ideological and operational base.

The Taliban returned to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces, pledging to restore security across Afghanistan. While overall violence has declined, attacks have continued, many of them claimed by ISIS-K, which has repeatedly targeted foreign interests and Taliban officials.