Islamic State group claims responsibility for an explosion in Afghanistan, killing 4

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a devastating explosion that took place in a predominantly Shiite Muslim neighborhood of Afghanistan’s capital, resulting in the loss of at least four lives.

Khalid Zadran, the spokesperson for the Kabul police chief, has informed that seven individuals were critically wounded during the attack on Thursday evening.

Issuing a statement late on Friday through its news agency Aamaq, Islamic State affiliates took credit for the assault, asserting that they “successfully planted an explosive-laden suitcase” in a gathering place for Shiites. The bomb detonated, causing the deaths of approximately 35 people, inflicting severe injuries on many others, and causing extensive damage to a sports club.

Footage captured after the blast reveals a partially destroyed building with shattered windows and an engulfed fire. The street below is littered with shattered glass and debris.

The extent of the destruction became more apparent on Friday morning. The ground was marked with craters, and the interior of the building was mostly gutted. Workers navigated through blood-soaked floors, among boxing gloves and gym equipment.

The Dashti Barchi area in Kabul has frequently been the target of attacks by the Islamic State group’s affiliate in Afghanistan. This organization has carried out significant offensives on educational institutions, medical facilities, and mosques. Other Shiite regions in Afghanistan have also experienced assaults by this group in recent years.

Ever since the Taliban assumed control in August 2021, IS has been unleashing a relentless wave of violence.