China urges Taliban to tighten security after suicide attack on restaurant in Kabul

Following a suicide attack on a Chinese restaurant in Kabul on Monday, China has urged the Taliban to enhance security measures for its citizens and projects in Afghanistan. The attack, which killed at least seven people including one Chinese national, prompted Beijing to make urgent representations to the Taliban government. China has requested a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice and supports joint efforts to combat terrorism in the region. The Taliban is investigating the attack, which has been claimed by Islamic State Khorasan (Isis-K). China's response underscores its concern for the safety of its citizens and investments in Afghanistan amidst ongoing security challenges.

On January 20, 2026, ISIL (ISIS) claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a Chinese restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed at least seven people. The group stated the attack, which targeted a restaurant frequented by Chinese nationals, was in response to China's alleged mistreatment of Uighurs. While ISIL claimed 25 casualties, local authorities reported seven deaths, including one Chinese national and six Afghans. China has urged the Taliban government to protect its citizens and investments in Afghanistan following the attack, which also injured five Chinese nationals. The restaurant was jointly operated by Chinese and Afghan partners and served the Chinese Muslim community. The Taliban government is investigating the incident.

On Monday, ISIS claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a Chinese restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed at least seven people. According to an Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman, the attack was carried out by a member of ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K). The bombing occurred in the Shahr-e-Naw neighborhood of Kabul. ISIS-K stated the attack targeted Chinese citizens in retaliation for China's treatment of Uyghurs, a Muslim minority group. The group also denounced the Afghan government's relationship with China.

On Monday, January 20, 2026, a bombing at a Chinese restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan, killed seven people, including one Chinese citizen, and injured over a dozen others. The Islamic State (ISIS-K) claimed responsibility, stating the attack was retaliation for China's oppression of Uyghurs and criticizing the Taliban's relationship with Beijing. The attacker detonated an explosive vest inside the restaurant, located in a busy commercial area. While the Taliban government claims to have diminished ISIS's presence, this attack highlights the group's continued threat. Despite security concerns, China has maintained diplomatic ties with the Taliban and has invested in Afghanistan's resources and infrastructure.

On January 20, 2026, an explosion at a Chinese-run restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulted in seven fatalities. The blast killed one Chinese national and six Afghan citizens. The incident occurred in a heavily guarded area of the Afghan capital. ISIL has claimed responsibility for the attack. The explosion's impact and the reason for targeting the restaurant are currently under investigation.

An explosion at the Chinese Noodle restaurant in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Monday killed seven people and injured over a dozen others. The blast occurred in the Shahr-e-Naw area, a district known for its flower shops. According to a Kabul police spokesman, the victims included one Chinese Muslim and six Afghans. The explosion, which took place near the restaurant's kitchen, is currently under investigation by authorities. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Emergency services and police were present at the scene following the incident.

An explosion in Kabul, Afghanistan's Shahr-e-Naw neighborhood on Monday, January 19, 2026, resulted in multiple casualties. The Taliban's Interior Ministry confirmed the blast, stating that several people were killed and injured. The Shahr-e-Naw area is considered one of the capital's most secure. The Italian NGO, EMERGENCY, reported that its Kabul medical facility received 20 people, with seven dead on arrival, noting the figures were provisional. While blasts have become less frequent since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, ISIL (ISIS) affiliates remain active and have carried out sporadic attacks, including two suicide attacks in 2025.