KABUL - The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemns today’s attack in Kabul’s Aspa Square that killed at least nine civilians, including one child, and injured at least 16 others.

Preliminary findings indicate that in the Labe Jar Area of Aspa Square, a suicide attacker detonated a body-borne improvised explosive device where a large gathering of Jamiat party members had taken place and when attendees were leaving the conference hall.

Islamic State–Khorasan Province claimed responsibility for the attack.

“This attack in Kabul today is totally unacceptable; it is an act of terror and a serious violation of humanitarian law,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA.

“At a time when Afghanistan is facing so many challenges, and with so many Afghans yearning for peace, such attacks simply cannot be justified,” he stressed. “The use of explosive weapons in civilian-populated areas must stop, without exception.”

The United Nations maintains that all parties to the conflict must strictly adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to take all feasible measures to protect civilians from harm.

UNAMA expresses its condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed in the attack and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.