The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has strongly condemned a deadly explosion at a Chinese-run restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan, emphasizing that terrorism in all its forms remains one of the most serious threats to peace and security both in Afghanistan and globally.
In a statement issued following the attack, members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims from Afghanistan and China. The council underscored the urgent need to hold accountable all individuals responsible for planning, financing, or supporting terrorist acts, and called for them to be brought to justice in accordance with international law.
“The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever, and by whomsoever committed,” the statement read. The council also urged all countries to actively cooperate with relevant authorities, in line with UN Security Council resolutions, to combat terrorism and prevent future attacks.
The explosion occurred on Monday afternoon, January 19, at a restaurant located in the Gulforoshi alley of the Shahr-e-Naw area in Kabul, according to Taliban officials. The restaurant was reportedly jointly operated by Afghan and Chinese nationals.
Taliban police reported that six Afghan citizens and one Chinese national were killed in the blast. Thirteen others, including several Chinese nationals, sustained injuries.
The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) later claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that a suicide bomber detonated explosives after a group of Chinese citizens had gathered at the site.
This attack underscores the persistent security challenges in Afghanistan, where militant groups continue to carry out high-profile assaults despite the Taliban’s repeated claims of improved security since returning to power in 2021. Experts have warned that the presence and operational capability of groups like ISKP pose significant threats to both Afghan civilians and international personnel in the country.
The Security Council’s condemnation reinforces the international community’s commitment to counter terrorism, hold perpetrators accountable, and support Afghanistan in addressing the ongoing threat posed by extremist networks.
