HistoryData
general2010

Suicide bombing and shooting attacks in Kabul

February 26, 2010

A coordinated bombing and shooting in Kabul killed at least 18 people, targeting venues frequented by Indian nationals in Afghanistan.

Quick Facts

Year
2010
Category
general

Key Facts

Date
26 February 2010
Killed
18 people
Injured
36 people
Attack method
Car bomb, suicide bomb, and armed shooting
Primary target
Arya (Hamid) Guesthouse, Park Residence
Suspected perpetrators
Pakistan-based militants

By the Numbers

26
Date
18people
Killed
36people
Injured

Location

Map of Kabul, AfghanistanMap of Kabul, AfghanistanKabul, Afghanistan

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

Initial intelligence reports indicated the attack was directed against Indian presence in Afghanistan and was carried out by Pakistan-based militants, reflecting broader regional tensions over India's growing civilian and diplomatic footprint in Afghanistan.

Event

On 26 February 2010, a car bomb destroyed the Arya Guesthouse in Kabul, popular with Indian doctors. Two armed attackers then stormed the nearby Park Residence; one detonated a suicide vest and the other was shot dead. The adjacent Safi Landmark Hotel sustained heavy blast damage.

Consequence

At least 18 people were killed and 36 wounded in the attack. The incident heightened security concerns for Indian nationals working in Afghanistan and intensified scrutiny of Pakistan-based militant networks allegedly targeting Indian interests in the country.

Timeline Context

Timeline around 201020102007200820092011201220132010 FIFA World Cup — 19th FIFA World Cup, held in South Africa2010s — decade from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019Euromaidan — 2013–2014 pro-european protests in UkraineJanuary 2010 — month of 2010European sovereign-debt crisis — multi-year debt crisis in multiple EU countries since late 20092010 Summer Youth Olympics — 2010 edition of the Summer Youth Olympics2010 Formula One World Championship — 64th season of Formula One motor racingRevolution of Dignity — 2014 revolution in Ukrainefebruary-2010-kabul-attack-2010