A powerful explosion struck a high-traffic area in central Kabul’s Shahr-e-Naw district on Monday afternoon, resulting in at least seven fatalities and leaving more than a dozen others injured.
The blast occurred at approximately 3:30 PM local time (1100 GMT) on a street prominent for its flower vendors and restaurants. The Italian non-governmental organization EMERGENCY, which operates a surgical center nearby, confirmed that its facility received seven individuals who were deceased upon arrival.
“Thirteen others have been admitted to our surgical department,” stated Dejan Panic, the NGO’s country director. “Among the wounded are four women and a child.”
An #explosion in central #Kabul on the night of Jan 19 left at least 7 people dead and 13 injured. #Afghan officials said the blast occurred near a #Chinese restaurant, where one Afghan security guard was killed and two Chinese nationals were seriously injured. pic.twitter.com/UC2iFzkfLO
— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) January 19, 2026
Incident Details and Response
Preliminary reports from Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran indicate the explosion took place within or near a hotel, though the specific cause of the blast remains under investigation. Witnesses described a “strong sound” that sent crowds into a panic in the normally busy commercial sector.
Security forces immediately cordoned off the area. On-site reports noted significant structural damage to nearby establishments, including shattered windows of vehicles and buildings.
International Impact
The incident has resulted in international casualties. According to reports from the Xinhua news agency, at least two Chinese citizens were seriously wounded in the explosion. Additionally, an Afghan security guard stationed at a local restaurant was killed during the blast.
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No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Local authorities continue to process the scene, and medical facilities remain on high alert as they treat the survivors.
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