A suicide bombing outside a bank in northern Afghanistan on Tuesday claimed the lives of five people, including Taliban security personnel, and left seven others injured, according to local police.
The attack occurred in Kunduz city, the capital of Kunduz province, targeting a queue of individuals waiting to withdraw their salaries. Among the deceased were civilians, government employees, and Taliban security forces, said Jumadin Khaksar, the provincial police spokesperson.
“The attacker was carrying improvised explosive devices and detonated himself near the crowd,” Khaksar stated. Authorities are currently investigating the incident and working with security agencies to identify those responsible.
Kunduz, which has witnessed multiple violent attacks in recent years, remains a volatile region. Although the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the country continues to face security threats from extremist groups.
No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing so far, but similar attacks have previously been linked to the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K), an affiliate of Daesh known for targeting Taliban forces, government offices, and public gatherings.
The Taliban government has repeatedly vowed to strengthen security and prevent such attacks, yet incidents like these highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring stability across the country.
Security forces have increased patrols in Kunduz and other vulnerable regions, with authorities urging citizens to remain vigilant. Officials emphasized that investigations are underway and that those behind the attack will be brought to justice.
The attack adds to the growing list of security incidents affecting Afghan civilians, as the country grapples with political instability and economic struggles following years of conflict.
