Kabul Suicide Bombing: 6 Killed, 13 Injured In Deadly Blast

A suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Monday, September 2, resulted in six deaths and 13 injuries, according to AFP. The explosion occurred in the Qala-e-Bakhtiar area on the southern outskirts of the capital. A suicide bomber detonated multiple explosives in a public space.

There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, although various terror groups remain active in Afghanistan, where violence persists since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. The last significant suicide attack in Afghanistan occurred in Kandahar in March, claimed by the Islamic State’s regional chapter.

The Taliban government reported three deaths, while local hospitals indicated that over 20 people died in the Kandahar attack. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid previously stated that Islamic State groups were heavily suppressed, claiming they no longer pose a significant threat.

Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran stated, “a person wearing explosives on his body detonated,” with one of the victims being a woman. He added, “The injured were transferred to hospitals on time and investigations are ongoing,” via social media platform X.

The Islamic State, opposing the Taliban, has conducted numerous attacks across Afghanistan targeting schools, hospitals, residential areas, and Shiite communities over the past three years. The Taliban have prioritized security in response to the violence, despite claims of success in reducing terrorist challenges to their rule. Analysts note that while security operations have increased, there are often delays or downplaying of attack confirmations.

The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. Despite promises of a moderate approach, the Taliban has reintroduced strict Sharia law, reminiscent of their previous rule from 1996 to 2001.