KABUL - UNAMA condemns last night’s attack in Kabul on the American University of Afghanistan that killed 12 civilians and injured more than 50 others, mostly students.

The attack began with the detonation of a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device at a university gate, after which two attackers entered the compound during the busy evening class period. 

Eleven of the killed were students, nine male and two female.

“An attack deliberately targeting an educational facility, during evening classes for university students, is an atrocity and those responsible must be held accountable," said Pernille Kardel, the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and Acting Head of Mission. 

“The country’s youth are a source of pride and bring real hope for a better future. I am hopeful that violence will not discourage their desire for continued learning and attaining the knowledge and skills critical to Afghanistan’s prosperity,” she said.

UNAMA expresses deepest condolence to the families of those killed in this incident and wishes a speedy recovery for all those injured.