Islamic States terrorists belonging to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) have attacked the Karte Parwan gurdwara in Kabul at 8.30 am IST.
Although 3 people have come out and two of them have been sent to hospital, a larger number of casualties are feared.
India Narrative has learnt that the entire premises of Gurdwara Dashmesh Pita Sahib Ji , Karte Parwan , has been set on fire as a result of the cross-fire between the security forces and militants.
The main Darbar hall of the gurdwara is feared to have been hit by the explosion.
Around 25-30 Afghan Hindus and Sikhs were apparently present in Gurdwara for morning prayers. As the attackers entered the premises, an estimated 10-15 people managed to escape. Though exact figures are still not available, around 8 people could be trapped inside. It has been confirmed that the security guard of the gurudwara, named Ahmad, has been killed.
Taliban soldiers have cornered two attackers.
Video clips posted on the internet show that at least two explosions targeted the gate of the gurdwara.
Alarming news from #Kabul armed militants likely from #ISIS as per Gurnam Singh the president of Gurdwara,have entered Karte Parwan Gurudwara.He is weeping & many of those residing in Gurdwara have been killed as per him .Requesting @narendramodi ji & @MEAIndia for SOS assistance pic.twitter.com/5iEtCLMTwH
— Puneet Singh Chandhok (@PSCINDIAN) June 18, 2022
Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson of Indian External Affairs Ministry expressed deep concerns over reports of attack on a gurdwara Kabul.
#BREAKING: Terror attack by #ISKP (ISIS) at the Karte Parwan Gurudwara of Kabul, Afghanistan. Innocent Sikh caught in-between the gunfight between ISKP terrorists and the Taliban terrorists. Most Sikh locals are believed to be safe. Some are missing. Situation is fluid. pic.twitter.com/bYXmNlsEH4
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) June 18, 2022
“We are closely monitoring the situation and waiting for further details on the unfolding developments” , he said.
The attack comes within days after the ISKP released a video threatening to repeat the 2020 Gurdwara attack.
Several explosions have been heard in #Kabul
As per reports, the explosions took place in Karte Parwan area of Kabul in PD-4.
Witnesses say that a #Sikh #gurudwara was the target. pic.twitter.com/55273xFFWj— Reporterly (@Reporterlyaf) June 18, 2022
The video also slammed the Taliban for defence minister Mullah Yaqoob's interview with an Indian news television channel and finance minister Amir Muttaqi's meeting with the Indian charge d’ affairs in Afghanistan.
In March 2020, 27 Sikhs were killed and several were injured when the ISKP terrorists attacked the Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib gurudwara in Kabul's Short Bazaar area.
Though the terror outfit comprises of Sunni Pashtuns, they are sworn enemies of the ruling Taliban. They have been responsible for killings of minorities in the region, including Hazaras, Tajiks, Uzbeks, and Sikhs.
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