ISLAMABAD: A powerful explosion ripped through a hotel in Kabul’sShahr-e-Naw district on Monday, killing at least seven people including oneChinese national and injuring several others, according to Afghanauthorities. Afghan journalists and sources have claimed that India’sResearch and Analysis Wing (RAW) may be involved in an effort to underminegrowing Chinese influence in the country. No militant group, including theIslamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K), the National Resistance Front (NRF), orothers, has claimed responsibility for the incident, heightening suspicionsof covert operations amid the absence of typical attributions.
The targeted location in Shahr-e-Naw is one of Kabul’s most securecommercial areas, hosting office buildings, shopping complexes, anddiplomatic presences. Police spokesperson Khalid Zadran confirmed theexplosion caused casualties and that investigations are underway todetermine the exact cause and nature of the device used. Initial reportsindicate the blast originated near the kitchen of a Chinese noodlerestaurant jointly operated by a Chinese Muslim owner, his wife, and anAfghan partner, serving the local Chinese community.
China’s growing economic footprint in Afghanistan since the Talibantakeover in 2021 has included investments in mining, infrastructure, andenergy sectors, often seen as supportive of the current administration.Beijing maintains an active embassy in Kabul and has repeatedly urged theTaliban to enhance security for its citizens and projects. The attackfollows a pattern of previous incidents targeting Chinese nationals, thoughearlier ones were claimed by ISIS-K, raising questions about the shift inresponsibility claims this time.
Afghan journalists and unnamed sources have pointed to the lack of anyclaim from known militant outfits as evidence pointing towardstate-sponsored involvement. They suggest the timing aligns with efforts todeter Chinese engagement, particularly as Beijing expands ties with theTaliban through projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. Suchallegations, while unverified, reflect regional geopolitical tensions whereforeign intelligence agencies are frequently accused of destabilizingactivities.
The National Resistance Front (NRF), which opposes Taliban rule andoperates primarily in northern Afghanistan, has also refrained fromclaiming the blast. This silence from both jihadist and anti-Taliban groupscontrasts with their usual quick attributions to gain visibility. Analystsnote that unclaimed attacks sometimes indicate more sophisticated orexternal orchestration aimed at sowing discord without direct backlash.
Security experts highlight that the Taliban administration has struggled tofully eliminate threats despite claims of improved stability post-2021.Sporadic explosions continue, often attributed to ISIS-K, which viewsChinese and other foreign presences as legitimate targets due to perceivedsupport for the Taliban. However, the complete absence of claims in thiscase deviates from established patterns and fuels theories of proxyinvolvement.
Regional observers point out India’s historical concerns over Chineseexpansion in South Asia and Central Asia, including Afghanistan. New Delhihas maintained a cautious stance toward the Taliban but upgraded itstechnical mission in Kabul recently. Allegations of RAW orchestrationremain speculative, with no official evidence presented by Afghan orinternational authorities so far.
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The incident underscores the fragile security environment in Kabul morethan four years after the Taliban regained control. Attacks on foreigners,particularly those from countries engaging economically with the regime,pose significant challenges to reconstruction and international legitimacyefforts. The blast injured multiple individuals, including women and achild, as reported by the Italian NGO Emergency, which treated 20 victims.
Chinese authorities have expressed concern over the safety of theirnationals in Afghanistan in the past, following earlier attacks. Thislatest event could prompt renewed calls for enhanced protection measuresand potentially affect ongoing investment discussions. The Taliban interiorministry has vowed a thorough investigation, promising updates as detailsemerge.
The broader implications involve the complex interplay of regional powersin Afghanistan. As China deepens its role, any perceived sabotage couldescalate diplomatic frictions. Until concrete evidence surfaces, theunclaimed nature of the blast leaves room for multiple interpretations,from militant oversight to deliberate covert action.
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