UNAMA strongly condemns atrocity that killed at least 17 civilians and injured 60

28 Sep 2015

UNAMA strongly condemns atrocity that killed at least 17 civilians and injured 60

KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemns yesterday’s suicide attack in Zarghun Shahr district in the south-eastern province of Paktika.

On 27 September, a suicide attacker detonated an improvised explosive device during a volleyball game, killing at least 17 civilians, including 15 children and injuring at least 60 others, the majority children.

“An attack deliberately targeting a group of civilians playing volleyball is an act bereft of humanity and clearly violates national and international law,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and acting head of UNAMA. “This attack reflects the intent to destroy lives and spread terror among the civilian population.”

UNAMA reiterates that attacks directed against civilians and civilian locations are grave violations of international humanitarian law which parties to the armed conflict – including all Anti-Government Elements – must uphold.

The Mission extends its condolences to the families of those killed and wishes those injured a speedy recovery.