The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation of the terrorist bombing that targeted a hotel in the Afghan capital, Kabul, resulting in a number of deaths and injuries among Afghan citizens and Chinese visitors. In an official statement, the Ministry reiterated the Kingdom's firm stance of completely rejecting all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism, and declared its full support and solidarity with the brotherly Afghan people in confronting these criminal acts aimed at destabilizing the country's security and stability.
General context and security situation in Afghanistan
This attack comes amid complex security challenges facing Afghanistan since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021. Despite the group's pledges to establish security, the country continues to experience sporadic attacks by ISIS-Khorasan, the Taliban's main ideological and military rival. The group systematically targets religious minorities, diplomatic missions, and foreign interests in an attempt to embarrass the Taliban government, demonstrate its inability to control security, and undermine any efforts to gain international recognition or attract much-needed foreign investment.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
This attack is particularly significant because it targeted Chinese citizens, sending a direct message to Beijing, one of the few countries that has maintained its diplomatic presence and economic engagement with Kabul following recent changes. China seeks to secure its economic interests in resource-rich Afghanistan and considers the country's stability an integral part of its national security, especially in relation to the Belt and Road Initiative. Therefore, this attack not only poses a local security challenge but also threatens to undermine international and regional efforts to achieve economic stability in Afghanistan and may prompt foreign investors to reassess the risks of operating in the country.
Saudi and international position
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of this terrorist act is consistent with its steadfast foreign policy, which calls for the rejection of violence and extremism and the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The Saudi position also reflects continued support for the Afghan people in their time of hardship and underscores the necessity for the international community to unite in helping Afghanistan overcome its security and economic challenges. In closing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Afghanistan, expressing its sincere wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.
