NEW YORK -  The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack against worshippers gathered in a mosque in the Afghan city of Herat on 1 August which killed at least 15 civilians and injured many more.

Attacks that deliberately target civilians are clear violations of fundamental human rights and international humanitarian law. 

This attack took place one day after the assault against the Embassy of Iraq in Kabul, where two Afghan civilians lost their lives and one was injured. The Secretary-General recalls the cardinal principle of the inviolability of diplomatic premises.

The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. He expresses his solidarity with the people and the Government of Afghanistan.