UNAMA condemns deadly attack on mosque

15 Oct 2013

UNAMA condemns deadly attack on mosque

KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) strongly condemns an attack on a mosque today which killed the Governor of Logar Province, Arsala Jamal, and reportedly wounded several civilians.

The Governor was killed this morning when an explosive device, reportedly affixed to a microphone, detonated while he was giving a speech to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid-Ul-Adha, at the central mosque of Pul-i-Alam, the capital of Logar Province, located in central Afghanistan.

Seven other civilians are reported to have been wounded in the attack, including the imam of the mosque. No one has yet claimed responsibility for this attack.

“I am deeply shocked by this killing of a civilian, in a mosque, on one of the holiest days in the Muslim calendar,” said the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and acting head of UNAMA, Nicholas Haysom. “Afghans deserve peace and should be able to celebrate the Eid holidays in an environment marked by friendship and brotherhood, free from violence and bloodshed.”

UNAMA has repeatedly condemned attacks that deliberately target civilians in violation of international humanitarian law. The UN Mission reiterates its call for such attacks to cease immediately and for respect of the sanctity of protected religious places such as mosques.

UNAMA extends its condolences to the family of Mr. Jamal and wishes a speedy recovery for the wounded.