Afghan media reported that following several suicide attacks on a cultural center and the Afghan Voice news agency (Ava) in western Kabul, at least 40 people were killed and more than 30 others were injured. According to Agence France-Presse, the Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for these attacks. Based on reports from 'Tolo News', the attackers first shot the guard of the 'Tebyan' cultural center, which belongs to Shia Muslims, and then detonated the center. The number of suicide attackers has been reported as two or three. The Afghan Voice news agency (Ava), whose office was severely damaged in the attacks, reported: 'This morning around 9:50 local time, first, a suicide attacker attacked the office of the Afghan Voice news agency and the Tebyan cultural and social activities center. Minutes later, a second suicide attack occurred, and when ambulances were transporting the dead and injured, a third attack also took place.' The Ariana news agency also reported that three Afghan journalists were among the dead. However, Nasrat Rahimi, spokesman for the Deputy Minister of Interior of Afghanistan, told Agence France-Presse that the target of the attack was the Tebyan cultural center belonging to Shia Muslims. According to this Afghan official, three explosions occurred at this center. The spokesman for the Deputy Minister of Interior also stated that a ceremony commemorating the 38th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan was taking place at this cultural center when the attacks occurred. Meanwhile, Saber Nasib, director of Kabul's Independence Hospital, announced that the condition of five of the injured is critical. Abdullah Abdullah, the Chief Executive of the Afghan government, condemned the attacks in a statement, saying: 'Attacking cultural and media centers means attacking the civilization and achievements of the Afghan people.' He added: 'Terrorists want to damage the common values of the country with such cowardly, terrorist, and criminal attacks and silence the voices of citizens, replacing them with ignorance and terror.' With the rise of activities by the Taliban and the Islamic State (ISIS), Kabul has witnessed some of the bloodiest attacks in recent years over the past months.
At least 40 killed in suicide attacks in Kabul
A series of suicide attacks in Kabul targeting a cultural center and a news agency resulted in at least 40 deaths and over 30 injuries, with ISIS claiming responsibility. The attacks occurred during a ceremony commemorating the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
A series of suicide attacks targeted a cultural center and a news agency in Kabul, resulting in at least 40 deaths and over 30 injuries. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks, which occurred during a commemorative ceremony.
- The attacks specifically targeted a Shia cultural center, indicating sectarian motivations.
- Three explosions occurred, with casualties including Afghan journalists.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Afghanistan has experienced decades of conflict, with various factions vying for power, including the Taliban and ISIS, which have targeted minority groups like Shia Muslims.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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