KABUL, Afghanistan The Islamic State group claimed responsibility Thursday for a deadly bombing that killed at least five people near the Foreign Ministry in the Afghan capital the previous day.
The bombing was the second major attack in Kabul in 2023 and drew condemnation from the international community.
The extremist group said in a statement that a martyrdom-seeker it identified as Kheiber al-Qandahari detonated his explosive vest amidst a gathering of ministry employees and guards as they left through the ministrys main gate.
There was no immediate response from Afghanistans Taliban rulers about the IS claim. Kabul police chief spokesman Khalid Zadran said Wednesday that the explosion killed five civilians and that a number of others were wounded near the ministry. Previous 1 of 3 Next
Advertisement Police take security measures after a huge explosion and gunfire were reported outside Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry building in the capital Kabul, Afghanistan on Jan. 11, 2023. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Police take security measures after the explosion and gunfire wounded several outside Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry building in the capital Kabul, Afghanistan on Jan. 11, 2023. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Advertisement
The IS news outlet Aamaq said the attack coincided with a ministry training course for diplomats.
The extremists have increased their assaults since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Targets have included Taliban patrols and members of the countrys Shiite minority. The bombing near the Foreign Ministry was the second major attack in Kabul in 2023.Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
After Wednesdays attack, more than 40 wounded people were brought to a surgical center in Kabul run by Emergency NGO, a humanitarian organization. Stefano Sozza, Emergencys director in Afghanistan, said at the time that he expected the number of casualties to rise.
The attack drew condemnation from the United Nations and various countries. In a statement Wednesday, Pakistan said it stood in solidarity with Afghans in the fight against militants.
