At Least 9 Killed in Bomb Attack on Passenger Vans Carrying Shi'a Muslims

APR 29 2022·Updated JAN 20 2023

Story

Image credit: Associated Press [via NBC News]

The Facts

At least 9 people were killed and 13 injured when bombs exploded in two passenger vans in the northern Afghanistan city of Mazar-e-Sharif on Thursday.
Reuters
Both vans attacked were operated by and carrying local Shi'a Muslims. The minority group in Afghanistan is a frequent target of Sunni militant groups, including ISIS.
Independent
The most recent bus attacks are part of a series of bombings since Ramadan began. Two seperate bombings on Apr. 21 - one of them at a Shi'a mosque in the same city - killed dozens. Just days earlier, an explosion at a high school in a Shi'a Hazara area of Kabul killed 6.
The Straits Times
ISIS has claimed responsibility for at least some of these recent bombings on the messaging platform Telegram, although hasn't issued a statement about the most recent bus explosions.
NBC
The Taliban, which took over Afghanistan last summer, says ISIS presence in the country has been mostly eliminated despite the ongoing violence. A govt. official reported several arrests made in connection with the recent series of bombings and an increase in security.
Independent

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

Darkness has reigned in Afghanistan since the Taliban took over. These latest attacks are just one example of escalating violence, especially against women and minority groups. The crisis is untenable and the world needs to take notice - especially the US, who are responsible for the Taliban takeover.

Newsweek

Narrative B

The violence in Afghanistan is heartbreaking and completely unacceptable. However, it is no longer the responsibility of the US to maintain peace. US forces have pulled out. Other countries in the region, like Pakistan, have much more at stake to help secure stability in Afghanistan.