Advertisement
Afghanistan
ChinaDiplomacy

Kabul airport attack sends message to Taliban not to work with US, Chinese expert says

  • Bombings show Islamic State is taking advantage of chaos and warning the Taliban against a truce with the Americans, according to observers
  • ‘The message is that Isis-K will not give up confrontation with the US like the Taliban,’ one expert says

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
51
The deadly explosions outside the airport in Kabul reportedly killed more than 60 and wounded many more. Photo: AP
Amber Wang
China called on authorities in Afghanistan to ensure the safety of foreign nationals after suicide bombings at Kabul’s airport that Chinese security analysts said were an attempt by Islamic Stateto reassert itself and warn the Taliban against a truce with the United States.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Friday that China was shocked by the explosions and condemned the attack.

“The security of Afghanistan is still complicated and grave,” Zhao said. “We hope relevant authorities can take proper measures to ensure the stable transition of Afghanistan, and protect the safety of the Afghan people and foreign nationals.”

The Chinese embassy in Kabul issued a notice urging Chinese citizens there to step up security and avoid going to the airport.

Chinese security analysts said the attacks showed that the activities of the local Islamic State branch – seen as an enemy of the Taliban – would not easily be halted, while security risks to China from the war-torn country were intensifying even if it was not specifically targeted.

02:30

At least 60 killed by explosions outside Kabul airport, Afghan health official says

At least 60 killed by explosions outside Kabul airport, Afghan health official says

Thirteen US service members including marines were among the casualties of the attacks, Marine Corps General Kenneth McKenzie Jnr said in Washington, while BBC and other media reported more than 60 deaths in the blasts on Thursday. Isis-K, an Afghanistan-based offshoot of extremist group Islamic State, claimed responsibility.

Advertisement