The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, that took the lives of at least six people and left 13 others injured. The attack, which occurred on Monday, September 2nd, targeted the Taliban government’s prosecution service, according to a statement released by the IS group’s Amaq media wing on Tuesday.
The statement, disseminated via the Telegram messaging app, revealed that the suicide bomber waited until the prosecutor’s employees were leaving their shifts before detonating in the midst of a crowd. The IS group stated that the attack was intended as revenge for “Muslims held in Taliban prisons”. While the IS group claimed that the total number of casualties surpassed 45, Taliban authorities reported only three deaths, while a hospital source indicated a toll of 20. Such discrepancies are not uncommon in situations involving conflicting narratives and propaganda.
The attack further underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Taliban in suppressing the IS group. Despite assertions by Taliban officials, such as spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, who declared last month that the IS had been “suppressed very hard,” the reality suggests otherwise. The IS group, particularly its regional branch known as the Islamic State’s Khorasan Province (ISKP), remains a potent threat in Afghanistan.
The ISKP has a history of carrying out similar attacks targeting schools, hospitals, mosques, and Shiite areas across the country. In March, the group claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in Kandahar, the Taliban’s historic stronghold. While the Taliban’s rise to power following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces has led to a decrease in militant challenges, analysts emphasize that the ISKP continues to pose a significant threat.
The attack in Kabul highlights the continued instability in Afghanistan and the complex security challenges faced by the Taliban government. The IS group’s ability to carry out such attacks, despite the Taliban’s claims of control, raises concerns about the long-term stability of the country and the ability of the Taliban to maintain order.
