Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – A Chinese mine worker was killed on Tuesday evening in Afghanistan’s northern Takhar province, which borders Tajikistan. The Islamic State (Isis) group later claimed responsibility for the attack, marking the latest in a series of deadly assaults by the jihadist group in the region.
The victim, a business owner with a contract to mine in Afghanistan, was reportedly travelling without notifying security officials, who are typically assigned to accompany Chinese nationals during such trips. A translator accompanying the worker was unharmed.
Provincial police spokesperson Mohammad Akbar Haqqani confirmed that the worker was killed by “unknown armed men” but later confirmed Isis’ involvement, as reported by jihadist monitor SITE. The group released a communique, claiming responsibility for the attack in Takhar, a province where Isis was last active in 2022.
Afghan authorities, including Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani, confirmed the details of the incident and stated that the victim was conducting business in the country.
The attack comes at a time when the Taliban government is trying to project stability to attract foreign investments, particularly from neighboring China. The Chinese embassy in Kabul has not yet commented on the incident.
The Taliban has been promoting Afghanistan’s untapped natural resources as a key to rebuilding the economy. Despite ongoing security concerns, China is seen as a potential partner for investment, with both Afghan and Chinese officials meeting in Kabul earlier this week to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. However, Isis remains a persistent threat, regularly targeting civilians, security forces, and foreign nationals in the region.
In 2022, Isis militants targeted a Kabul hotel frequented by Chinese businessmen, injuring at least five Chinese nationals.
