In a blast targeting a hotel in the commercial Shahr-e-Naw neighbourhood in Kabul, Afghanistan, which includes large office buildings, shopping complexes, and embassies, several casualties have been reported, including several Chinese nationals.
The blast killed at least 7 people and injured a dozen others. The blast took place in the Shahr-e-Naw area, known for its flower sellers.
The Chinese state media had earlier reported that one Afghan security guard was killed, and two Chinese nationals were injured in the blast.
“According to preliminary reports, a number of people were killed and injured,” Afghanistan Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani told the Reuters news agency.
Kabul police spokesperson Khalid Zadran said the blast targeted a hotel in the commercial Shahr-e-Naw neighbourhood, which includes large office buildings, shopping complexes, and embassies.
The explosion hit the area on Monday, January 19, afternoon, and led to multiple casualties, including the Chinese engineers.
Incidentally, 3 Chinese engineers were also killed in Tajikistan in November last year through a drone strike which was allegedly launched from Afghanistan.
However, in the current attack, it is not yet clear whether the Chinese were the subject of the attack or not. Though, the casualties also included them.
Notably, the area of the blast is generally considered one of the safest areas of Kabul. The injured have been taken to the hospital and further investigations are underway.
Notably, no organisation has till now taken credit for the deadly blast.
