NEW YORK - The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the horrific attack at a restaurant in central Kabul on the evening of Friday, 17 January. The attack on a civilian location killed at least 14 and injured many more, including Afghans and foreign nationals. Four United Nations personnel, along with a number of those from other international organizations, are now confirmed dead.

Such targeted attacks against civilians are completely unacceptable and are in flagrant breach of international humanitarian law. They must stop immediately.

The Secretary-General sends his deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed and his hopes for a swift recovery to those injured.