UNAMA condemns attacks in Kabul and Kandahar

11 Jan 2017

UNAMA condemns attacks in Kabul and Kandahar

KABUL - UNAMA condemns yesterday’s Kabul and Kandahar attacks that claimed the lives of more than 40 people, mainly civilians and including representatives of the diplomatic community.

In Kandahar, as many as 13 civilians were killed in an explosion at the residence of the Kandahar Provincial Governor while he was hosting a dinner event for visiting diplomats and dignitaries. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced today that five of its diplomats were among those killed. Many others were injured, including the Kandahar Governor and the visiting UAE Ambassador. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

In Kabul, a Taliban suicide attacker detonated his vest outside the Parliamentary Administration Compound in the Daruluman area of the capital. Shortly afterwards, the Taliban detonated a vehicle packed with explosives on the main road near the compound, impacting a civilian bus, parliamentary staff, bystanders, security guards and those responding to the first attack. The attacks killed at least 35 people and injured more than 50. While authorities confirmed two National Directorate of Security (NDS) officials were killed and four injured, preliminary information indicates the majority of the casualties were civilians. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they were targeting the NDS. The Taliban also acknowledged that they had deliberately timed the second blast to take place as first responders attended to persons caught in the initial explosion.

“Such unprincipled, unlawful and deplorable attacks cause immense human suffering and make the peace that Afghans need and deserve even more difficult to achieve,” said Pernille Kardel, the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan. “Those responsible for these attacks must be held accountable," said Kardel, who is also acting head of UNAMA.

UNAMA stands in solidarity with the people and governments of Afghanistan and the UAE. UNAMA expresses deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wishes a speedy recovery for all those injured.