UNAMA condemns attack at Kandahar airport

10 Dec 2015

UNAMA condemns attack at Kandahar airport

KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemns the Taliban’s attack at Kandahar Airport, which reportedly killed 39 civilians, including four children, and injured at least 23 civilians.

The Taliban initiated the complex attack on 8 December with fighting continuing over a 24-hour period, during which time they intentionally targeted civilian areas of the base. Initial reports indicate that Taliban fighters dismounted their vehicles in the bazaar and opened fire, killing and injuring civilian shopkeepers and customers. The fighting reportedly continued in the residential areas of the base accommodating the families of Afghan security forces and airport staff.

UNAMA has documented preliminary findings of 54 deaths and 42 injured. Those killed in the attack include 39 civilian males, of whom at least four were boys, 13 Afghan National Army and two Afghan National Police. The majority of the deceased appeared to be civilian shopkeepers working at the bazaar and civilian customers. Of the 42 injured, at least 23 are civilian, including a woman and a girl.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

UNAMA reiterates that international humanitarian law, which applies to all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan, including the Taliban, prohibits attacks against civilians at any time and in any place. This includes families of Afghan security forces and other civilians not participating in the conduct of hostilities. Additionally, parties to the conflict must take all feasible precautions to protect the civilian population against the effects of attacks.

The UN Mission expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and a speedy recovery to the injured.