Kabul gurdwara attack

Last updated
Kabul gurdwara attack
Part of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
Location map Afghanistan Kabul.svg
Red pog.svg
Kabul gurdwara attack (Kabul)
LocationGurdwara Har Rai Sahib, Shor Bazaar, Kabul, Afghanistan
Coordinates 34°30′43″N69°11′13″E / 34.512°N 69.187°E / 34.512; 69.187
DateMarch 25, 2020 (2020-03-25)
07:45 – 14:00 (AFT (UTC+04:30))
Target Sikhs
Attack type
Shooting, suicide bombings
Deaths25
Injured8+
PerpetratorsJoint cell of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province and Haqqani network members
AssailantsAbu Khalid al-Hindi

On 25 March 2020, ISIS-Haqqani network gunmen and suicide bombers attacked the Gurdwara Har Rai Sahib (a Sikh shrine) in Kabul, Afghanistan. [1] [2]

Contents

About 200 worshipers were reported to have been in the building, in which 25 Sikh worshippers were killed and leaving at least 8 wounded after an hour-long siege which ended in all assailants being killed by responding security forces. [3] [4] [5] At least one child was said to have been among people who were killed, according to the ministry of interior's statement. [6]

The Islamic extremist and militant organization Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has claimed responsibility. [7] The gunmen were identified as Abu Khalid al-Hind and Murshid Mohammed T.K.J both Indian citizens from the state of Kerala. [8] Abu Khalid al-Hindi whose real name is Mohammed Sajid Kuthirummal and Murshid Mohammed T.K.J hail from Kasargod in Kerala, India and had joined ISIS like many others from his state. Owing to the large number of youth joining ISIS from Kerala, ISIS reportedly opened a Hind division to accumulate the Malayalam speaking fighters who had difficulty in communicating with other fighters.

Attack

The attacks started in the gurdwara's sanctuary area where 200 worshipers were praying at about 7:45 am interrupting worship that started an hour earlier. The attackers threw grenades and broke into the shrine then started opening fire on people. [9] Afterwards, the attackers took hostages inside of the building, exchanging fire with security forces till all three attackers were killed and at least 80 hostages freed after a shootout that lasted for 6 hours. [4] [10] [11] After the attack, Afghan and NATO soldiers helped with the clearance operation.

On Thursday, as families of the deceased and members of the community were conveying the bodies to the burial grounds in the Qalacha area in the afternoon, another blast was reported to have gone off remotely, near the crowd. [12] There were no casualties from the blast. [13]

This was not the first such attack on Sikhs; a similar Islamic State attack on Sikhs killed many in Jalalabad in 2018. Gurdwaras have also been damaged previously, such as during the Battle of Jalalabad (1989) and the Afghan Civil War of the 1990s.

Perpetrator

Initial government reports suggested that Ashraf Ghani's government blamed Haqqani network for the attack, but Taliban denied its role. [14] Shortly after, the SITE Intelligence Group announced that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province claimed responsibility right after the attack through various social media accounts. [15] [16] The gunman was identified as Abu Khalid al-Hindi, an Indian citizen from Padne in the Kasargod district of Kerala state. [8] [17] An Indian source revealed al-Hindi was wanted in a 2016 NIA case, and had previously worked as a shopkeeper in his native town. [17] The Afghan NDS said the perpetrator left India in 2018 to join ISIS Khorasan in Afghanistan. [18] Indian intelligence agencies identified him as Mohammed Sajid Kuthirummal. [19]

In a communique, the ISIS said the attack was carried out in response to the "Indian government's actions in Jammu and Kashmir". [20] The attack mastermind and ISIS-K emir Abdullah Orakzai, alias Aslam Farooqi, was captured by the National Directorate of Security on 4 April along with 19 others. [21]

The Afghan National Directorate of Security in April arrested a group of eight that included operatives from both ISIS-K and Haqqani network. Another five members were killed in the raid which happened in Kabul. The group was involved in many attacks including on the gurdwara, the rocket attack on a ceremony during which Ashraf Ghani was sworn in as the President in March 2020 and a rocket attack on Bagram Airfield in April. [22] It was reported that one of the arrested ISIS militants was linked to Pakistan's ISI. [23] [24]

Casualties

This assault resulted in the death of 25 civilians including one child, while another eight were wounded according to the ministry of interior's statement. [25]

One of those who died in the attack is Tian Singh, a 71-year old Indian citizen from Delhi whose family members demanded that his remains should be brought to India. [26] [27]

Reactions

The attack was condemned by multiple people worldwide including;

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gurdwara Karte Parwan</span> Sikh place of worship

Karte Parwan Gurdwara in the Karte Parwan section of Kabul, Afghanistan, is one of the main Gurdwaras in the region. Gurdawara means the Gateway to the Guru, and is a place of worship for Sikhs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Haqqani network</span> Afghan Islamist guerrilla insurgent group

The Haqqani Network is an Afghan Islamist group, built around the family of the same name, that has used asymmetric warfare in Afghanistan to fight against Soviet forces in the 1980s, and US-led NATO forces and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan government in the 21st century. It is recognized as a terrorist organization by the United Nations. It is considered to be a "semi-autonomous" offshoot of the Taliban. It has been most active in eastern Afghanistan and across the border in north-west Pakistan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sikhism in Afghanistan</span> Religious community

Sikhism inAfghanistan in the contemporary era is limited to small populations, primarily in major cities, with the largest numbers of Afghan Sikhs living in Jalalabad, Ghazni, Kabul, and to a lesser extent in Kandahar and Khost. Sikhs have been the most prevalent non-Muslim minority in Afghanistan, and despite the many political changes in recent Afghan history, governments and political groups have generally not indulged in openly discriminating against the Sikh minority; however, their status have been severely impacted since the country's conflict since 1978.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Karachi bus shooting</span> Terrorist attack in Karachi, Pakistan

On 13 May 2015, eight gunmen attacked a bus travelling in Safoora Goth, Karachi, Sindh in Pakistan. The shooting left at least 46 people dead. All of the victims were of the Ismaili Shia Muslim minority, suggesting the attack was a targeted killing of sectarian nature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Islamic State – Khorasan Province</span> Islamic State branch in Central and South Asia

The Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISIS–K) is a regional branch of the Islamic State terrorist group active in South-Central Asia, primarily Afghanistan. ISIS–K, like its sister branches in other regions, seeks to destabilize and overthrow existing governments of the historic Khorasan region in order to establish an Islamic caliphate under its strict, fundamentalist Islamist rule.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">July 2016 Kabul bombing</span> Twin bombings in Kabul, Afghanistan

On 23 July 2016, a twin bombing occurred in the vicinity of Deh Mazang square in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, when Enlightenment Movement protesters, mostly from the Hazara ethnic group, were marching against a decision to bypass their region in the development of the TUTAP mega power project. At least 97 people were killed and 260 injured. The terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant claimed responsibility, however the same group later on refused it. Some Hazara protestors allege that Afghan president Ashraf Ghani was behind the attack. They believe that Ashraf Ghani government was abetting the terrorists who were responsible for the attack. They also allege that the government officials were preventing the wounded from being shifted to the hospital.

On 8 March 2017, the Sardar Daud Khan Military Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, was attacked by a group of gunmen, some of them dressed in white hospital robes. Government officials confirmed at least 49 people were killed in the hours-long assault, while 63 others were injured. By March 13 the unconfirmed death toll had surpassed 100, with an unknown number injured. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant claimed to have carried out the attack, but officials suspected the Haqqani network instead.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daoud Khan Military Hospital</span> Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan

The Sardar Mohammad Daoud Khan National Military Hospital, often referred to as the Daoud Khan Hospital or the National Military Hospital, is a military hospital located in Kabul, Afghanistan. With 400 beds, it is one of the largest military medical facilities in Afghanistan, and prior to 2021 provided medical services to members of the Afghan National Security Forces, and also contains a teaching department. Constructed in 1973 by engineers from the then-Soviet Union, it is now described as the "crown jewel" of the Afghan healthcare industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Inter-Continental Hotel Kabul attack</span> Attack in Afghanistan

On 20 January 2018, a group of four or five gunmen attacked the Inter-Continental Hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan, sparking a 12-hour battle. The attack left 40 people dead including fourteen foreigners, while 14 were injured.

A suicide bombing occurred on 21 March 2018 around 12:00 PM in Kabul near Kart-e Sakhi, a Shia shrine. At least 33 people were killed with more than 65 wounded in the bombing. The militant group ISIL claimed responsibility for the attack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Islamic State–Taliban conflict</span> 2015–present armed conflict in Afghanistan

The Islamic State–Taliban conflict is an ongoing armed conflict between the Islamic State and the Taliban in Afghanistan. The conflict escalated when militants who were affiliated with Islamic State – Khorasan Province killed Abdul Ghani, a senior Taliban commander in Logar province on 2 February 2015. Since then, the Taliban and IS-KP have engaged in clashes over the control of territory, mostly in eastern Afghanistan, but clashes have also occurred between the Taliban and IS-KP cells which are located in the north-west and south-west.

On 6 March 2020, a mass shooting occurred in Kabul, Afghanistan. Two gunmen fired from a building that was under construction, killing 32 people and injuring another 81. It happened during a ceremony to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the murder by the Taliban of Afghan Shia leader Abdul Ali Mazari. The ceremony was attended by Afghan politician Abdullah Abdullah, who escaped unharmed. The two gunmen were killed later the same day. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant claimed responsibility for the attack.

In May 2020, a series of insurgent attacks took place in Afghanistan, starting when the Taliban killed 20 Afghan soldiers and wounded 29 others in Zari, Balkh and Grishk, Helmand on 1 and 3 May, respectively. On 12 May, a hospital's maternity ward in Kabul and a funeral in Kuz Kunar (Khewa), Nangarhar were attacked, resulting in the deaths of 56 people and injuries of 148 others, including newborn babies, mothers, nurses, and mourners. ISIL–KP claimed responsibility for the funeral bombing, but no insurgent group claimed responsibility for the hospital shooting.

On 2 November 2020, three gunmen stormed the campus of Kabul University in Kabul, Afghanistan, killing 32 people and wounding 50 others. The attack began around the time that government officials were expected to arrive at the campus for the opening of an Iranian book fair. The three gunmen were later killed during a fight with security forces. The attack occurred at around 11:00 A.M. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Khorasan Province (ISIL-KP) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Shahab al-Muhajir Leader of Islamic State – Khorasan Province

Sanaullah Ghafari, better known under his nom de guerre, Shahab al-Muhajir is an Afghan militant, serving as the Emir of the Islamic State's Khorasan Province since 2020.

This is a timeline of ISIL-related events that occurred in the year 2020.

References

  1. "11 killed in Kabul gurdwara attack, IS claims responsibility". Yudhvir Rana. The Times of India. 25 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  2. "Afghanistan conflict: Militants in deadly attack on Sikh temple in Kabul". BBC News. 25 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  3. "Kabul Sikh temple siege: Dozens killed in attack claimed by ISIL". www.aljazeera.com. Al-Jazeera. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  4. 1 2 "Gunmen in Afghanistan kill 25 at Sikh complex, Islamic State claims responsibility". Reuters . 25 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  5. "Gunmen attack Sikh religious complex in Kabul, says Afghan official". Archived from the original on 2020-03-26. Retrieved 2020-03-26.
  6. "25 killed as Islamic State gunman takes hostages in Kabul Sikh temple". The Telegraph. March 25, 2020 via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  7. "Islamic State claims Kabul attack on Sikh minority". Sayed Salahuddin. Washington Post. 25 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  8. 1 2 Akhgar, Tameem (26 March 2020). "Bomb disrupts funeral for 25 Sikhs killed in Afghan capital". ABC News. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  9. Graham-Harrison, Emma (March 25, 2020). "Afghanistan: dozens killed in attack on Kabul Sikh temple". The Guardian via www.theguardian.com.
  10. "Gunmen Kill 25 At Kabul Sikh Temple; Islamic State Claims Responsibility". Radio Free Europe - Radio Liberty. 25 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  11. "Afghanistan: dozens killed in attack on Kabul Sikh temple". TheGuardian.com . 25 March 2020.
  12. "Solidarity for Sikhs after Afghanistan massacre".
  13. "Bomb Disrupts Funeral for 25 Sikhs Killed in Afghan Capital - The New York Times". www.nytimes.com. Archived from the original on 2020-03-26.
  14. Bureau, ABP News (March 25, 2020). "Several Sikhs Feared Dead In Terror Attack At Kabul Gurudwara; IS Claims Strike". news.abplive.com.
  15. "Gunmen attack Sikh religious gathering in Kabul, killing at least 4". NBC News.
  16. "Islamic State claims assault on Sikh temple in Afghan capital | FDD's Long War Journal". www.longwarjournal.org. March 26, 2020.
  17. 1 2 "IS recruit for Kabul gurdwara attack was a Kerala shopkeeper". Live Mint. 27 March 2020. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  18. "New details emerge regarding the Indian man who attacked the Afghan Sikhs in Kabul". Khaama Press. 28 March 2020. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  19. "Abu Khalid Al-Hindi, Terrorist Responsible for Kabul Gurdwara Attack Was IS Recruit from Kerala". 28 March 2020.
  20. "Islamic State Gunman Kills 25 in Attack on Sikhs in Kabul". US News. 25 March 2020. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
  21. "Afghan forces arrest leader of IS in connection with Gurudwara attack | DD News". Archived from the original on 2020-04-06. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
  22. Sediqi, Abdul Qadir (6 May 2020). "Members of Islamic State-Haqqani network arrested over Kabul attacks". Reuters.
  23. "Pakistan militant with ISI link held in Afghan for ISIS-claimed terror attack on Kabul gurdwara". Deccan Herald. 5 April 2020.
  24. "Pak-backed terror module in Afghanistan that targeted India busted, 37 arrested". Hindustan Times. 5 April 2020.
  25. "25 killed as Islamic State gunman takes hostages in Kabul Sikh temple". The Telegraph. 25 March 2020.
  26. "S Jaishankar condemns Kabul Gurudwara attack, says working on return of mortal remains of Tian Singh". WION.
  27. "India in touch with families of those killed and injured in Kabul terror attack: MEA". The Economic Times. March 26, 2020.
  28. "Kabul gurdwara attack: Death toll rises to 25, PM Modi expresses condolences". March 25, 2020.
  29. Dwyer, Colin (25 March 2020). "At Least 25 People Dead After Hours-Long Attack On Sikh Complex In Kabul". NPR.org.
  30. Rahimi, Nasrat (March 25, 2020). "دښمن یو ځل بیا زموږ پر گرانو هېوادوالو د نننى تروریستي حملې په تر سره کولو سره خپله وحشي څېره څرگنده کړه. ترهگر به د خپلو بشری جنایتونو د تر سره کولو سزا هرو مرو گوري. همدارنگه خپلو ټولو سک وروڼو او خویندو ته د زړه له تله تسلیت وایم او په غم کې یې ځان شریک بولم. @DrAnarkaliH".
  31. Asia, Amnesty International South (March 24, 2020). "The authorities have a responsibility to protect minorities and their places of worship in Afghanistan. The suspected perpetrators must be held accountable through fair trials without recourse to the death penalty".
  32. "Condemnation of terrorist attack on Gurdwara in Kabul – Ministry of Foreign Affairs".
  33. Akhgar, Tameem; AP, Rahim Faiez. "Islamic State gunman kills 25 in attack on Sikhs in Kabul". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2020-03-26.
  34. "UN Secretary-General condemns the attack in Kabul". UNAMA. March 26, 2020.
  35. "India strongly reacts to suicide attack on Sikh temple in Kabul city". The Khaama Press News Agency. March 25, 2020.
  36. "US Condemns "Horrific ISIS Attack" On Gurdwara In Afghanistan". NDTV.com.
  37. Service, Tribune News. "25 killed in suicide bombing at Kabul gurdwara, IS owns it". Tribuneindia News Service.
  38. "US condemns terrorist attack on Sikhs in Afghanistan". March 26, 2020.