KABUL - On behalf of the United Nations in Afghanistan, I condemn, in the strongest terms, yesterday’s suicide attack in Khost Matun city, Khost province, that killed 27 civilians and injured at least 10 others.

Among those killed were three women and 12 children. The attack also killed six members of the Afghan security forces.

The attack took place just before Iftar yesterday evening. A suicide bomber detonated a vehicle packed with explosives at an Afghan security forces checkpoint located near a bazaar.

A suicide attack near a community bazaar can never be justified. Those responsible for this indiscriminate attack must be held accountable.

I reiterate UNAMA’s repeated calls for the immediate ban of weapons which kill indiscriminately and to cease attacks in civilian-populated areas.

On behalf of the United Nations in Afghanistan, I express our deep condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery for the injured.