NEW YORK - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations mission in Afghanistan have strongly condemned Friday's attacks in Kabul which caused the death and injury of many Afghan and foreign residents and for which the Taliban claimed responsibility.

“This deliberate targeting of civilians demonstrates once again a senseless disregard for human life on the part of the perpetrators,” Mr. Ban's spokesperson said in a statement.

According to media reports, the attacks occurred around 6:30 a.m. local time close to the Kabul City Centre shopping area and the Safi Landmark Hotel. At least 17 people have reportedly been killed.

“The thoughts of all United Nations staff across Afghanistan are with the victims and their families,” said the spokesperson for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Dan McNorton.

This is the second deadly attack in the capital since the start of this year. On 18 January, Government buildings, including the presidential palace, as well as shopping malls and other areas were targeted in a set of coordinated attacks for which the Taliban claimed responsibility.