Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Kabul Minibus Explosion

Overview

• The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a minibus explosion in Kabul's western Shiite neighborhood of Dashti Barchi, killing at least five people and injuring fifteen others.
• This is the first attack in Afghanistan in 2024, targeting Shiite Muslims whom the group considers to have abandoned their faith.
• The Dashti Barchi area has been repeatedly targeted by the Islamic State group's affiliate in Afghanistan, with major assaults on schools, hospitals, and mosques.
• The United Nations Assistance mission in Afghanistan called for an end to targeted attacks on civilians and greater protection for Afghanistan's Hazara community.
• The Taliban Defense Minister reported a 90% decrease in attacks by the IS affiliate in the past year.