KABUL - The United Nations expressed its outrage at today’s murder of nine civilians working with the People in Need agency.

"Once again, I am appalled to be speaking out following the killing of aid workers who are providing much needed assistance in Afghanistan,” said Mark Bowden, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the country.

The deaths occurred in an overnight attack on the agency’s compound in the northern province of Balkh. No party has claimed responsibility.

“I share the grief of our colleagues at People in Need and the families of those killed,” said Bowden, who is also the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan.