KABUL – A bomb explosion targeted a minibus in western Kabul on Saturday evening, killing at least two civilians and leaving 14 others wounded. The incident unfolded in Dasht-e-Barchi neighborhood, known for its Shiite Muslim population.

Khalid Zadran, spokesperson for the Kabul police under Taliban leadership, confirmed the casualties and reported that the injured have been swiftly transported to hospitals. The authorities are actively investigating the bombing, and no group has claimed responsibility at this time. However, suspicions point towards the regional Islamic State affiliate, IS-K, also known as Islamic State-Khorasan.

Dasht-e-Barchi has been a frequent target of militant attacks, particularly directed at mosques, schools, and hospitals. IS-K has claimed responsibility for numerous recent assaults in the area. Despite Taliban Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob’s assertion of a 90% decrease in IS-K attacks over the past year, violence continues to pose a significant threat, taking lives and impacting communities.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government spokesperson, recently reiterated the success of their counterterrorism operations against IS-K, emphasizing the degradation of the group’s ability to harm Afghanistan and neighboring nations. This statement follows reports linking IS-K to twin suicide bombings in Iran that claimed nearly 100 lives.

The United States, recognizing IS-K as a formidable terrorist threat based in Afghanistan, remains vigilant. John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, recently emphasized the ongoing danger posed by ISIS-K, acknowledging their headquarters in Afghanistan and their potential threat to the region. Despite recent events, Kirby highlighted the challenge of assessing IS-K’s strength solely based on individual incidents.

Culled from Afghanistan Times