A minibus exploded in a predominantly Shiite Muslim neighbourhood in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, resulting in the death of at least two civilians and injuring 14 others, according to a Taliban official on January 6. This incident marks the first attack in the country in 2024, CTV News reports.
Police investigation underway
Khalid Zadran, the police spokesman, confirmed that the explosion occurred in the western part of the city, specifically in the Dashti Barchi area. An investigation has been launched, he added. The perpetrators of the attack remain unidentified.
Past incidents and IS involvement
The Islamic State group’s affiliate in the region, known for targeting Shiite schools, hospitals, and mosques, has previously claimed responsibility for similar attacks in the same area. In November, a minibus explosion in the same area of Kabul resulted in seven fatalities and left 20 others wounded.
On October 26, an explosion at a sports club in the same neighbourhood led to four deaths and seven injuries. The IS also claimed responsibility for this attack.
Decrease in IS attacks
Last week, Taliban Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid reported a 90% decrease in attacks by the IS affiliate over the past year.
Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the IS affiliate has emerged as a major rival. IS militants have launched attacks in Kabul and northern provinces, often targeting Shiites, whom IS considers to be apostates.
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