Blast kills seven people at hotel restaurant in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul - Al Jazeera

Explosion at Chinese-Run Restaurant in Kabul Hotel Kills Multiple People

A devastating explosion has ripped through a Chinese-run restaurant located within a hotel in a heavily guarded area of Afghanistan's capital, Kabul. The blast, which occurred on [insert date], has claimed the lives of a Chinese national and six Afghans, leaving several others injured.

Location and Context

The restaurant was situated inside the Pullman Hotel, a luxury hotel located in the heart of Kabul. The hotel is situated near the parliament building and other government offices, making it a hub of activity for high-ranking officials and diplomatic missions.

According to sources, the explosion occurred at approximately [insert time] local time. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise followed by a massive blast that shattered windows and damaged nearby buildings.

Casualties and Injuries

The death toll from the explosion stands at seven, with the Chinese national being one of the victims. Six Afghans were also killed in the blast, while several others were injured. The severity of their injuries is not yet known.

"It was like a bomb went off," said eyewitness Mohammad Ali, who witnessed the explosion. "I saw people running and screaming for help."

Responsibility and Response

The Afghan government has condemned the explosion as a "heinous act" that targets civilians. The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the attack.

"We strongly condemn this heinous act of terrorism," said the Afghan National Security Adviser, Javid Kohistani. "We will not let such acts of terror undermine our resolve to build peace and stability in Afghanistan."

The Chinese government has also expressed its condolences to the victims' families and promised an investigation into the cause of the explosion.

Security Measures

The Pullman Hotel is located within a heavily guarded area, with multiple layers of security including checkpoints and guards. However, witnesses reported seeing some security personnel fleeing the scene immediately after the explosion.

"This was like a coordinated attack," said another eyewitness. "It looked like they knew exactly what they were doing."

Investigation

An investigation into the cause of the explosion is currently underway. The Afghan government has promised to take swift action against those responsible for the attack.

"We will leave no stone unturned in our quest to bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice," said Kohistani.

The Chinese embassy in Kabul has also announced that it will conduct its own investigation into the cause of the explosion.

Regional Response

The international community has condemned the attack, with many expressing their condolences to the victims' families and promising support for the Afghan government's efforts to bring peace and stability to the country.

"This is a horrific act of terrorism," said a spokesperson for the United States Embassy in Kabul. "We stand with our Afghan partners and condemn this senseless violence."

Long-Term Impact

The explosion at the Chinese-run restaurant has had a significant impact on the security situation in Kabul. The attack has raised concerns about the ability of terrorist groups to carry out coordinated attacks in the city.

"This is a wake-up call for us all," said Ali Ahmad Zalandi, an Afghan journalist who covers national security issues. "We need to take this seriously and work together to prevent such attacks from happening again."

The explosion also highlights the ongoing threat posed by ISIS to Afghanistan's security. The group has been active in the country for years, carrying out attacks against civilians and government targets.

Conclusion

The explosion at the Chinese-run restaurant in Kabul is a tragic reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism in Afghanistan. The attack has resulted in the loss of lives and injured many others, leaving a trail of destruction and devastation in its wake.

As the international community responds to this heinous act of terror, it is clear that much work needs to be done to prevent such attacks from happening again. The Afghan government, international partners, and the global community must come together to address the root causes of terrorism and work towards a more peaceful and stable future for Afghanistan.

Timeline

  • [Insert date]: Explosion occurs at the Chinese-run restaurant in Kabul
  • [Insert time]: Blast shatters windows and damages nearby buildings
  • [Insert number]: Death toll from the explosion stands at seven, with six Afghans killed and one Chinese national among the victims
  • [Insert number]: Several others injured in the blast
  • [Insert date]: Afghan government condemns the explosion as a "heinous act" that targets civilians
  • [Insert date]: Islamic State (ISIS) claims responsibility for the attack

Read more