KABUL - On behalf of the United Nations in Afghanistan, I condemn the attack targeting civilians gathered for Friday prayers at the Hisarak Jami Mosque in Rodat district, Nangarhar province. The attack killed at least three civilians and injured more than 70 others – including 31 boys – with at least two in critical condition.

An improvised explosive device planted at the mosque detonated during Friday prayers, killing a mullah, one man, and one boy as they prayed on the first Friday of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

An attack deliberately targeting civilian members of a community praying together in a mosque can never be justified and highlights the perpetrators’ intent to destroy lives, and spread terror among the civilian population.

International humanitarian law prohibits the deliberate targeting of civilians, including at their places of worship, and imposes a specific obligation on combatant parties to allow religious personnel to carry out their work. At face value, this attack is a war crime and the perpetrators must be held accountable.

On behalf of the United Nations in Afghanistan, I express our deep condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery for the injured.