KABUL: Militants involved in attack on Pakistani Embassy in Kabul and separate attack on hotel targeting Chinese nationals were killed, said Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirming details of an operation, “Eliminated group of ISKP in Kabul and Nimroz provinces”.

Earlier in December, Pakistani security guard had been wounded by shots fired at Pakistan Embassy in Afghan capital.

Spokesman confirmed that eight members of militant group, including foreign nationals were killed in operation, while seven others were arrested and that Daesh members were involved in both of aforementioned attacks. A female IS-KP member was also reportedly arrested during operation. However, Mujahid refrained from sharing details of militant’s nationalities “For security purposes”.

“Scores of suspects arrested have been relocated for investigation,” Mujahid told local media.

Furthermore, he said that slain militants had also been planning more attacks on “Several other important places”.

 “They planned to bring in Daesh members from other countries to Afghanistan and carry out widespread coordinated attacks,” he added, claiming that “Group was most lethal”. Following day, outlawed Islamic State group claimed responsibility for attack.

 In statement cited by jihadist monitor SITE, IS’ Khorasan chapter had said it had “Attacked Pakistani Ambassador and his guards”.  According to statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 4, “We have seen reports that IS-KP has accepted responsibility for terrorist attack on Pakistan Embassy compound on December 2, 2022.

” Statement said, “Independently and in consultation with Afghan authorities, we are verifying veracity of these reports.” Meanwhile, on December 12, armed men had opened fire inside hotel in central Kabul popular with Chinese nationals. Beijing had later confirmed that five of its nationals were wounded in attack.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 06 2023

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