User:Crtew/November 2017 Kabul attack

The November 2017 Kabul Attack was an attack that took place on November 16, 2017 outside of the Ministry of Interior Affairs (Afghanistan) building. At least 29 people were injured (10 non-fatally, and 19 dead) in an explosion. The attack is thought to be politically motivated and conducted by the Islamic State of Afghanistan, who have since claimed responsibility for the attack. The Taliban has since denied any involvement.

Perpetrator
Days after the attack, the Islamic State of Afghanistan claimed responsibility. The explosion was detonated by a bomber outside of a dinner party while individuals were exiting the conference hall. The perpetrator hid the explosive material under his clothes. Suspicions arose once the man was seen wandering around the location's heavily guarded gate. The man began to run once approached by officers. When detained, the perpetrator set off his explosives.

Victims
Taqi Sadid and Hussain Nazari, a camera operator for Rah-e-Farda TV, are two known victims. Also dead are 10 more civilians and 8 policemen. One of the policemen managed to grab the bomber. This is believed to have saved many lives due to the constriction of the explosion. This particular policeman was Afghan Police Lt. Sayed Basam Pacha. He had previously told the assailant to halt once the law enforcement in the area grew suspicious. His actions are thought to have saved countless lives.

Nazari is survived by his wife and his four-year-old daughter. He had worked in media since 2005. Nazari's family had just learned about the death of his brother-in-law who was killed in the military.

Sadid was in critical condition after the attack. His father heavily criticized the medical attention that was provided after the attack. The Afghan Journalist Safety Committee has since promised to pay for the medical coverage of Sadid and Nazari.

Lt. Pacha has been recognized frequently for his actions during this attack. He was 25 years old and had just returned from his studies in Turkey. He had two bachelor degrees, one in political science and another in law enforcement. Although he had only been with Kabul law enforcement for a year and six months, he had already received recognition from his superiors.

Description of Incident
During the early afternoon on Thursday November 16, 2017, an attack took place outside and around a conference hall in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The perpetrator is said to have been addressed by the law enforcement in the area under the suspicion of being a suicide bomber. Shortly after communicating with the police, the bomber began to flee only to be caught moments later. It was then that the man detonated his device which was hidden under his coat, killing and injuring several.

Context
The conference hall where the attack took place had been rented for a meeting by the political supporters of Atta Muhammad Nur, the governor of the northern Balkh Province. While it is not entirely knowable what the motivations of the attack were, it is entirely possible that they were political ones meant to target Noor and any supporters given the location and timing. The attack occurred three days prior to the country's council and presidential elections.

The attack also occurred one month after another attack which occurred in Kabul's diplomatic zone. Some reports indicate that in that incident, the assilant could've been as young as twelve-years-old. The Islamic State also claimed responsibility for that attack.

Impact
Media outlets from the New York Times to VICE have covered the incident. The event has been used as an example of how journalists are constantly threatened by the existence of terrorism. Due to the political media that was present at the event, many of the victims were simply there because of their job. Due to the attendees of the conference hall and the political aspect of the gathering, many of the victims were members of Kabul's law enforcement who were there providing security.

Reactions
Audrey Azoulay, the director-general of UNESCO, condemned the attack on November 28, 2017 saying, "We are once again reminded of the risks faced by media workers the world over. I call on the authorities to ensure an effective judicial enquiry into this case."

Hussain Nazari's death was also featured and highlighted by the Committee to Protect Journalists since he was there covering the governor's political gathering taking place.

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 * nytimes
 * vice
 * telegraph
 * thesun
 * metro
 * cbc
 * kabultribune
 * pajhwok
 * tolonews1
 * tolonews2
 * xinhuanet
 * china
 * yash
 * globaltimes
 * unesco
 * cpj