KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) strongly condemns the recent abduction and killing of six civilians in Herat province.

Among the civilians executed were five employees of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), a humanitarian non-governmental organization and a local staff member of the National Solidarity Programme. IRC is the local implementing partner for the National Solidarity Programme, a development scheme aimed at improving humanitarian conditions and economic opportunities for ordinary Afghans in rural communities throughout the country.

The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the killings.

UNAMA notes that international humanitarian law defines civilians as all those who do not take a direct part in hostilities and who are not combatants. Attacks against civilians are prohibited at all times and may amount to war crimes.

UNAMA extends its condolences to the families of all of those killed in this attack.

Download the UNAMA Press Statement in English | Dari | Pashto