Crazy Chaos at Kabul’s Wrestling Club: 20 Killed, 70 Injured
A brutal suicide blast on September 5th tore through a wrestling club in the Shi’i‑laced neighbourhood of Dasht‑e‑Barchi in Kabul. A second, nasty explosion rattled the scene—targeting both police and journalists—adding to the carnage. Victims: at least 20 dead, 70 wounded.
Who’s at Risk?
- Hazaras – The area is home to many Hazara Muslims, a Sunni‑ISIS target because of their Shi’i faith.
- Police and journalists – The second blast hit when officers were hauling the injured and media reporters were documenting the chaos.
What Happened?
Picture this: young wrestlers in tattered gear racing to drag wounded bodies onto tow trucks, all while gun‑fire echoes in the background. A reporter and a cameraman from Afghanistan’s largest TV network, Tolo News, were killed in the second hit. Four more local TV crew members ended up with bruises and soot.
Why Is This Not Just a One‑Off?
Remember last month’s fatal blast that took dozens of university exam‑prep students at a local school. And back in April, an ISIS‑linked bomber gunned down nine journalists during an attack in central Kabul. Something’s seriously wrong with the city’s security.
Political Fallout
While the attack rattled the nation right as elections loom, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reminded everyone that Washington’s former Afghan ambassador, Zalmay Khalizad, will now advise on ending the conflict. But, spoiler alert, even a brief ceasefire last June ended in more fighting, dampening hopes for peace talks.
One big thing that will remain out of any talks? The local ISIS faction—known for brutality—won’t be invited to the table. Both the Western‑backed government and the Taliban see them as a sworn enemy.
Bottom Line
When men and women in tattered wrestling jackets rush to help the wounded, a second explosive pulse detonates in the same alley, and the city’s future hangs in a precarious balance, it’s hard to argue that Kabul’s elections and peace talks are safe. The Hazaras, a minority already facing prejudice, are now caught in a deadly crossfire. Kazakhstan’s all‑in fight for survival continues.
