Chinese national killed in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, Islamic State says 'we did it'

The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the killing of a Chinese national in Afghanistan’s northern Takhar province. ISIS announced this in a post on Telegram.

ISIS said in the post that it had targeted a vehicle carrying the Chinese citizen, which led to his death.

Afghan police said on Wednesday that a Chinese citizen was murdered and a preliminary investigation had been launched, but it was not clear who was behind the attack.

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when the Chinese worker was travelling without notifying local security officials. Usually, he used to travel in groups accompanying other Chinese nationals on such trips. A translator travelling with the victim was unharmed.

Chines national was travelling near the Tajikistan border in Takhar province, when his vehicle was targeted.

China’s reaction on the killing

China’s foreign ministry also reacted to the killing of its national on Thursday. China condemned the killing of its citizen and urged stronger efforts to fight ISIS. “We are deeply shocked, and strongly condemn it,” said Mao Ning, spokesperson for the foreign ministry.

China also urged Afghanistan to conduct serious investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice.

ISIS has claimed responsibility for many previous attacks on Chinese nationals as well. ISIS carried out an attack at a popular hotel in Kabul that hosted Chinese investors.

Taliban’s continuing efforts to show Afghanistan stable

China was the first country to appoint an ambassador to Afghanistan after the fall of the American-supported democratic republic and the seizure of Kabul by the Taliban. China has also vowed to boost trade and investment ties in the nation.

This attack depicts the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan, particularly for foreign nationals.

However, the Taliban is continuing its efforts to project stability in the South Asian nation and encourage foreign investment to make it prosper.

Origin of ISIS-K

The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) is a regional affiliate of the Islamic State and operates primarily in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

It is considered one of ISIS’s most lethal branches. ISIS-K has been responsible for numerous attacks targeting civilians, particularly Shia Muslims.

The terror group has conducted operations beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan.