In a shocking turn of events, a powerful explosion ripped through Kabul’s Shahre Naw district, long considered one of the Afghan capital’s most secure areas. Local reports confirm several people have been killed and injured in the Monday afternoon blast at a hotel on Gul Faroshi Street.
Taliban police spokesman Khalid Zadran confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are underway to determine the exact number of casualties. Residents described hearing a massive boom that echoed across the city, followed by thick plumes of smoke rising from the scene.
Eyewitness images shared with media outlets show injured individuals on the ground and panicked civilians fleeing the area. Afghanistan International reported visuals of the chaos, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the attack in this foreigner-heavy zone.
Home Ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani told Reuters that initial reports indicate multiple fatalities and injuries, with more details to follow. Adding to the international concern, China’s Xinhua news agency cited a hotel employee saying two Chinese nationals suffered serious injuries, alongside the death of an Afghan security guard.
No group has claimed responsibility yet, though past attacks in the region have often been linked to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Since seizing power in 2021, the Taliban has struggled to maintain security in urban centers like Kabul.
Shahre Naw stands out for its high concentration of foreign offices, shopping complexes, embassies, and luxury hotels, making it a prime target for those seeking to undermine the regime. Security forces have swiftly cordoned off the area as emergency teams work to aid the wounded and investigate the blast’s origins.
This incident underscores the fragile security landscape in post-takeover Afghanistan, where even fortified enclaves remain vulnerable. As the nation grapples with economic woes and isolation, such violence threatens to escalate tensions both domestically and on the global stage. Authorities urge calm while promising a thorough probe into what could signal a resurgence of militant activity.