The diplomatic quarter—in which the attack took place—is one of the most heavily fortified areas in the city, with three-meter-high (10 ft) blast walls, and access requiring passing through several checkpoints.

[13] Kabul is held by the NATO-supported Afghan government, though both the Taliban and Islamic State were able to launch destructive attacks on the capital in the preceding months.

[3][18] The National Directorate of Security (NDS) claimed that the blast was planned by the Afghan insurgent group Haqqani Network, and reiterated allegations that those elements had support and presence across the border in Pakistan.

They demanded removal of President Ashraf Ghani's government and pushed for formation of an interim administration, at least partly for its failure to stop the attacks.

The protesters chanted anti-American and anti-Pakistani slogans, demanded execution of militant inmates and accused the government of being too lenient in the fight against the insurgents.

During the 2 June protest, some demonstrators continued moving forward after requests by police to stop several hundred meters away from the presidential palace, witnesses said.

[25][26] On 3 June, following the death of deputy head of Senate Salim Ezadyar's son at the Kabul anti-government protest the previous day, his funeral took place.