An Afghanistan Bomb Explosion rocked the city of Mazar-i-Sharif on Saturday, killing a security guard and injuring several journalists, along with three children, during an event honoring the media.
The explosion occurred just two days after Daesh claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing that killed Mohammad Dawood Muzammil, the Taliban governor of Balkh province, in the same city. The attack marked one of the highest-ranking officials’ deaths since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
Eyewitnesses reported that chaos ensued after the Afghanistan Bomb Explosion occurred while a group of children sang an anthem, moments after a Taliban official’s speech.
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Atif Arian, an Afghan journalist injured in the blast, said, “I heard a big bang… then there was chaos as everyone was trying to find a way to escape.” The explosion injured several journalists, and three children were among those wounded.
Daesh has emerged as the biggest security challenge to the Taliban government since last year, conducting deadly attacks against Afghan civilians, foreigners, and foreign interests. The group has previously targeted journalists in Afghanistan, and it remains unclear who is responsible for the latest Afghanistan Bomb Explosion.
Despite the Taliban’s control over the country, security has continued deteriorating, and Daesh has claimed responsibility for several attacks.
Beh Lih Yi, the Asia program director at the Committee to Protect Journalists, condemned the attack, calling it a “despicable and cowardly act.” She urged the Taliban to quickly investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice to end impunity for those who target journalists. The ongoing violence across Afghanistan has raised concerns about the Taliban’s ability to maintain security and stability.
