Kabul’s tranquility was shattered Monday when a devastating bomb blast targeted a hotel in the upscale Shahre Naw neighborhood, resulting in numerous casualties. This district, favored by expatriates and diplomats, has evaded major attacks since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover—until now.

According to Taliban officials, the explosion occurred in Gul Faroshi Alley, prompting an immediate security lockdown. Police command spokesman Khalid Zadran revealed that casualty figures are being tallied amid ongoing probes.

City dwellers recounted the terrifying moment: a thunderous detonation followed by sirens and smoke blanketing the skyline. Graphic photos circulating online depict bloodied victims and crowds dispersing in fear, as captured by Afghanistan International.

Reuters quoted Interior Ministry’s Abdul Mateen Qani confirming deaths and injuries, with fuller updates pending. The plot thickened with reports from Xinhua: two Chinese citizens critically wounded and one local guard killed, raising alarms over foreign nationals’ safety.

While no outfit has owned up to the strike, fingers point to ISKP, notorious for similar operations. The area’s allure—dotted with embassies, corporate towers, and retail hubs—makes it symbolically potent for insurgents.

Taliban responders rushed to the site, evacuating the injured and scouring for clues. This breach in Kabul’s safest pocket exposes cracks in the regime’s control, fueling speculation of coordinated threats amid Afghanistan’s turbulent transition.

As night fell, the blast site remained sealed, with medical teams overwhelmed. The attack not only claims lives but also erodes confidence in the Taliban’s governance, potentially inviting more instability in a country already on edge.