KABUL - The United Nations in Afghanistan condemns in the strongest terms the roadside bomb incident today in which a civilian bus was struck in Nahr-e-Saraj District in Helmand Province, reportedly resulting in the death of 14 civilians and seriously injuring others including children.

We offer our sincere condolences and those of the entire United Nations family in Afghanistan to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, and our prayers for the speedy recovery of survivors.

The planting of improvised explosive devices on roadways either targeting civilian transport or indiscriminately affecting civilians is against international humanitarian law. There can be no justification for such action. 

UNAMA’s human rights team is gathering information on this incident.