Kabul Neighbourhood Still Reeling a Month After Suicide Attack

The air is thick with smoke from kebab stands near the Baharistan Cinema in Karte Parwan, Kabul. Vendors are selling fresh fruits and vegetables from carts, while children play in the park across the street.



A month ago, this neighbourhood was the target of one the worst suicide attacks in Afghanistan’s history. Despite the appearance of normality, many people fear it could happen again.



Farooq was among those injured in the blast.



“I became unconscious and fell to the ground. When I woke up, I was in hospital,” he says. “I am afraid another explosion might happen.”



The Taleban claimed responsibility for the attack, which killed 30 people and injured 29. The suicide bomber targeted a bus full of national army soldiers. But he also killed a number of men gathered on a street corner in hopes of finding a day’s labour, according to Daoud, a shopkeeper.



“Four workers’ bodies are still missing,” says Daoud.



Shoemaker Mohammad Alem was also at the scene, and says life has not yet returned to normal, and businesses are suffering, “Fear rules people’s hearts. People used to shop here a lot, but there is no market now and nothing is as it was before.”