Deadly Attack on Foreign Tourists in Afghanistan Claimed by Islamic State
The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for a brutal attack in Afghanistan that resulted in the deaths of three Spanish tourists along with three Afghan nationals. The incident took place last Friday in Bamiyan, a town approximately 180 km from Kabul. According to IS, the assailants targeted 'Christian tourists and their Shiite companions' with machine guns in a local bazaar. This violent act is part of IS's broader strategy to target nationals from coalition countries involved in the international fight against them.
This horrific episode stands out as the first major attack on foreign tourists since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain, José Manuel Albares, has confirmed the identities of the Spanish victims: Susana Vilar Bühler and her daughter Elena Schröder Vilar, both pharmacists from Barcelona, and Ramón Bellmás Rimbau, an engineer from Girona. Eight other individuals were injured, including several other foreigners and one Spanish woman, María Celia Tamayo, who is in critical condition and currently receiving medical treatment in Kabul.
Global Reactions and Ongoing Efforts
The attack has elicited strong condemnation from international leaders. José Manuel Albares has voiced his indignation and commitment to continuing the fight against terrorism and ensuring that the perpetrators face justice. He also confirmed that an operation to repatriate the Spanish victims is ongoing, with the two unharmed Spanish tourists already having left Afghanistan.
This tragic event has also reignited discussions about the safety of international travel to conflict zones. The Spanish government had previously warned its citizens through its official travel advisory against traveling to Afghanistan due to the high risk of kidnapping and terrorist attacks. Despite these warnings, the tourists were part of an organized travel group that ventured into the unstable region. The Spanish Foreign Ministry has reiterated its advice against any non-essential travel to Afghanistan.
- The presence of a group of Spanish tourists in Afghanistan has taken many by surprise within diplomatic circles. The country's ongoing instability and the memory of the chaotic evacuation from Kabul in 2021 continue to loom large. The Spanish Foreign Ministry has emphasized the seriousness of its travel advisories against visiting Afghanistan.
- María Celia Tamayo, one of the injured Spanish tourists, underwent surgery in a Kabul hospital and remains in critical but stable condition. Her condition is being closely monitored, and efforts are underway to ensure her safety and potential repatriation.
