UNAMA condemns killing of civilians in Ghor province

26 Jul 2014

UNAMA condemns killing of civilians in Ghor province

KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemns in the strongest terms yesterday’s killing of civilians in the western province of Ghor, in which at least 15 persons were killed, including three women.

Yesterday, in the early morning, two unrelated buses transporting civilians were stopped by armed men. Passengers of the first vehicle were ordered to step out – most were then lined up and shot. Minutes later, a second vehicle was also searched, and two civilian passengers allegedly shot dead. The remaining passengers were released.

“The killing of civilians by an armed group in Ghor province is deeply troubling, especially when Afghans nationwide are preparing to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families,” said the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and acting head of UNAMA, Nicholas Haysom. “Afghans should be able to celebrate in peace, and such attacks must cease at once.”

The UN Mission calls for a prompt and thorough investigation into these killings and expresses its condolences to the families of the victims.