The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for a deadly explosion at a sports club in Kabul that occurred on Thursday evening, resulting in four fatalities, according to a statement on its Telegram channel released on Friday. The blast took place in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighborhood of Kabul, which is predominantly inhabited by the historically oppressed Shiite Hazara community.
Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran reported that seven people were injured in the explosion, revising the initial toll of two dead and nine injured. The commercial center, housing the sports club, suffered significant damage, with the explosion blowing out the sides of the space and shattering windows throughout the block.
The targeted sports club conducted training in combat sports, and the blast occurred at the end of a busy boxing session that usually hosted around thirty people, according to an instructor at the club. Sultan Ali Amiri, a 26-year-old who was not present during the blast, described the impact as “extraordinarily strong,” causing extensive damage to the club’s infrastructure, including punching bags and other equipment.
While police are still investigating the cause of the explosion, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack on its official communication channel. Taliban authorities have not immediately responded to the ISIS claim. The Dasht-e-Barchi neighborhood has been a frequent target of attacks, particularly against the Shiite Hazara community, in the past.
