Islamic State Claims Suicide Attack on Chinese Restaurant in Kabul
Source: TechHaven – Halummu
Executive Summary
The Islamic State Khorasan Province publicly claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a Chinese restaurant in Kabul on 20 January 2026 that killed at least seven people, including one Chinese national, and wounded more than a dozen others. The attack targeted Chinese civilians and Taliban guards in a fortified commercial district and was explicitly justified by the group as retaliation for China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims.
Analysis
The Kabul attack demonstrates ISIS K’s intent to internationalize its campaign by striking foreign nationals aligned with the Taliban and by exploiting grievances tied to global Muslim issues.
ISIS K’s Amaq Agency claimed a martyrdom operative entered a Chinese frequented restaurant in Kabul’s Shahr e Naw district, waited approximately 30 minutes for patrons to gather, and detonated an explosive vest, causing casualties among Chinese nationals, Afghan civilians, and Taliban guards.
Afghan officials confirmed at least seven deaths, while ISIS K claimed up to 25 killed or wounded, consistent with the group’s long standing pattern of inflating casualty figures for propaganda effect.
The Islamic State explicitly linked the attack to what it described as China’s crimes against Uyghur Muslims and reiterated that Chinese nationals in Afghanistan are on its target list.
China confirmed that five of its citizens were injured and urged the Taliban to enhance protection for Chinese people and investments, highlighting Beijing’s growing concern over security risks in Afghanistan.
The attack comes amid expanding Chinese diplomatic and economic engagement with the Taliban, including mining agreements, Belt and Road Initiative discussions, and the appointment of a Chinese ambassador in Kabul. ISIS K has repeatedly condemned Taliban cooperation with China and portrays the Taliban as collaborators who have failed to protect Muslims globally.
Sources
TechHaven – Halummu
