The Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP) has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in the Dasht-e-Barchi area of Kabul, Afghanistan. The group’s statement asserts that the attack targeted Shia individuals in the region.
A bomb explosion on a minibus in a neighborhood predominantly inhabited by religious minorities in Afghanistan’s capital resulted in one fatality and injured 11 others on Sunday.
The incident occurred in a western district of Kabul, known for its significant Shia Muslim population—a group that has historically faced persecution in Afghanistan and remains a frequent target of the Daesh group, which views them as heretics.
Khalid Zadran, the Kabul police spokesperson, reported that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on the minibus in the Dasht-e-Barchi area.
The swift claim of responsibility by ISKP underscores the intense rivalry between the group and the Taliban as both factions compete for dominance and influence in Afghanistan.
This conflict has contributed to heightened violence and instability, particularly in areas near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The recent attack may be part of a broader strategy by ISKP to destabilize local political structures and incite chaos in the region.
Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, ISKP has been actively orchestrating attacks across the country, accusing the Taliban regime of being “apostate” and intensifying the violent conflict between the two groups.