KABUL — 19-01-2026
A deadly explosion struck the Chinese Noodle restaurant, a joint Chinese–Afghan eatery, in the Gulforoshi street of Shahr-e-Naw, Kabul, at on Monday, killing at least seven people, including one Chinese national, and injuring several others.
According to preliminary information,The blast occurred near the kitchen area of the restaurant, which was known for serving food primarily to Chinese Muslim customers.
Among those killed was Ayoub, a Chinese Muslim national. Six Afghan citizens also lost their lives in the incident, while a number of injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, some reported to be in critical condition.
The restaurant was jointly operated by a Chinese Muslim from China’s Xinjiang province, Abdul Majid, his wife, and an Afghan partner, Abdul Jabbar Mahmoud.
The establishment had gained popularity among members of the Chinese Muslim community living and working in Kabul.
Shahr-e-Naw is one of Kabul’s busiest commercial districts, hosting restaurants, markets, and foreign-linked businesses.
In recent years, areas frequented by foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens, have been targeted in attacks, raising concerns about security for foreign communities in the Afghan capital.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the explosion. Afghan security authorities said the nature of the blast has not yet been determined, and investigations are ongoing to establish whether the incident was caused by an explosive device, a gas leak, or another source.
Security forces quickly cordoned off the area following the explosion.
Local authorities have launched a formal probe and stated that further details will be shared once the investigation progresses. Hospitals in Kabul have been placed on alert to treat the injured, while security measures in the surrounding areas have been tightened.
