KABUL, 20 June 2016 – The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expresses grave concern about today’s series of attacks in civilian populated areas that killed and maimed civilians across Afghanistan.

UNAMA condemns in the strongest terms the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) in a bazaar in Kishem district, Badakhshan province that killed ten civilians including five children, and injured 36 others, mostly children.

Earlier this morning, a Taliban suicide attack in a crowded area of Kabul city killed 13 Nepalese contractors and injured eight others including five Nepalese diplomatic security guards and three Afghan civilians.

Following this incident, an IED targeting a provincial council member detonated in Kabul city, injuring four civilians including the council member.

Taliban claimed responsibility for both attacks in Kabul city and denied responsibility for the attack in Badakhshan province.

UNAMA reiterates its call for Anti-Government Elements, including the Taliban, to immediately cease all attacks in civilian-populated areas and any attacks deliberately targeting civilians, including attacks against diplomatic facilities and personnel.

UNAMA extends its condolences to the families of all of those killed and wishes a speedy recovery for those injured.