A deadly blast ripped through a Chinese restaurant in Kabul’s Shahr-e-Naw area on Monday, killing at least seven people and injuring more than a dozen.

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility, saying the attack targeted Chinese nationals.

The explosion occurred at the Chinese Noodle restaurant, known for serving the local Chinese Muslim community. According to Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran, the blast happened near the kitchen, killing one Chinese national identified as Ayub and six Afghans. Several others were wounded in the attack.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, and an AFP journalist reported police vehicles and ambulances attending to the victims. Windows of nearby buildings were shattered, and debris littered the street, a busy area famous for its flower sellers.

Islamic State claims responsibility

The SITE Intelligence Group reported that the Islamic State in Afghanistan claimed responsibility, describing it as a suicide attack aimed at Chinese nationals. The statement cited “escalating crimes against Uyghur Muslims by the Chinese government” as the motive for targeting Chinese citizens in Kabul.

Italian NGO EMERGENCY said its hospital received seven dead-on-arrival victims and admitted 13 others to the surgical department. Among the wounded were four women and a child. The explosion took place around 3:30 pm local time, according to witnesses.

The restaurant was jointly operated by a Chinese Muslim couple and an Afghan partner, serving mainly Chinese Muslims. The Shahr-i-Naw area, home to offices, shopping complexes, and embassies, is considered one of the safer districts in Kabul.

Chinese business visitors have increasingly been traveling to Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, despite security threats. This is the second IS-claimed attack on Chinese nationals in Kabul in recent years.

Pakistan condemns attack

President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the bombing, expressing grief for the victims and urging accountability. He highlighted that the Taliban has failed to honor commitments under the Doha Agreement to prevent Afghan soil from being used for terrorism. Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s stance on preventing safe havens for terrorist groups and ensuring regional security.