Kabul, January 19 2026 (Agencies) – A powerful explosion struck a Chinese-run restaurant in the Shahr-e-Naw area of Kabul on Monday, killing at least seven people and injuring more than a dozen, authorities said.
The blast occurred near the kitchen of the Chinese Noodle restaurant, a popular eatery operated by a Chinese Muslim and Afghan partners. Among the dead are one Chinese national and six Afghan citizens, while several others, including women and a child, were injured. Emergency responders rushed victims to nearby medical facilities, with at least 13 wounded receiving treatment.
Footage from the scene showed debris scattered across the street and smoke rising from the damaged building as residents fled. The explosion is suspected to have involved an improvised explosive device, but no group has claimed responsibility. Afghan authorities are investigating the incident.
In response, China’s embassy in Kabul issued a safety advisory for its citizens, warning of heightened security risks and urging avoidance of nonessential travel in Afghanistan, though no evacuation has been ordered.
The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan and raises concerns about the safety of foreign nationals and businesses in the capital.