Responsibility for a devastating explosion that claimed four lives at a sports club in the Afghan capital, Kabul, has been taken by the ISIL (ISIS) armed faction. The group, who are known for their extreme Sunni Muslim views, made the announcement via their Telegram channel on Friday, stating that a parcel bomb, planted by their fighters in a room frequently occupied by Shia Muslims, was the source of the blast.
The incident took place on Thursday evening within a commercial hub in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood of Kabul, an area known as a haven for the Shia Hazara community, who have historically faced oppression. This information was confirmed by local law enforcement.
Khalid Zadran, a spokesperson for the Kabul police, updated reporters on Friday afternoon, stating that investigations into the cause of the explosion were ongoing. He also revealed that the initial casualty report had been updated, with the death toll rising from two to four, and the number of injured falling from nine to seven.
The Taliban, who are currently in authority, have yet to comment on the incident.
The impact of the explosion was significant, with the blast tearing through the sports club, which is located several floors above the ground in the commercial centre. The force of the explosion caused extensive damage, blowing out the walls of the building, shattering windows and causing widespread damage throughout the block. This was confirmed by journalists from the AFP news agency who were on the scene on Friday.
Sultan Ali Amiri, a 26-year-old instructor at the club, which specialises in combat sports training, told AFP that the explosion happened at the conclusion of a busy boxing session, typically attended by around 30 people. Although he was not present when the blast occurred, he reported that the explosion was extremely powerful, causing extensive damage to the facility, including the destruction of the punching bags.
The Hazaras of Afghanistan, who have been the victims of regular attacks in this predominantly Sunni Muslim nation, have suffered persecution for many years. They have been the targets of both the Taliban during their uprising against the US-backed government, and ISIL.
ISIL, who view Shia Muslims as heretics, has instigated several fatal attacks in this same area in the past, with schools, mosques, and gyms among their targets.
Social media posts appearing shortly after the explosion showed a large fire at the sports club and boxing gloves among the debris and shattered glass on the ground.
Although the number of bombings and suicide attacks has seen a significant decrease since the Taliban ceased their rebellion after seizing power in August 2021 and overthrowing the US-backed government, attacks continue to be carried out by a number of armed factions, including the regional ISIL chapter.
