UN Condemns Deadly Attack on Kabul Mosque (+Video)
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in a statement condemned the attack on Khalifa Sahib mosque in the Darluman area of Kabul, Afghanistan.
At least 50 people have been killed and dozens wounded in an explosion at the mosque in the Afghan capital, its leader said, just a day after two separate bomb explosions rocked the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif.
The blast rocked the Khalifa Aga Gul Jan Mosque, as hundreds of worshipers had gathered for prayers on the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan condemned the attack and said that the blast “directly affected” two staff of the UN and their family members who were inside the mosque.
“No words are strong enough to condemn this despicable act, targeting a place of worship, as Muslims across Afghanistan prepare to celebrate Eid,” said UN deputy special envoy Mette Knudsen in the statement.
The deadly blast sparked outrage at a national and international level with many calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
Abdullah Abdullah, former chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, expressed disappointment over the blast and called it a "crime against humanity" and contrary to Islamic and human values.
The Taliban’s spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, on Twitter condemned the blast, saying that the perpetrators will be arrested and punished soon.
The European Union in a statement said the attack on the mosque “comes in a series of heinous and coward attacks on civilians gathering in a market, school or a mosque in this holy month of Ramadan.”
The EU said it mourns with the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery for the wounded, “Terror has no place in any religion or faith,” the statement read.
It cited the “stark” surge in violence in Afghanistan is a serious concern for all Afghans and the international community.
“All Afghan citizens, including women and girls, children, and ethnic and religious minorities deserve to live in safety, with full respect of their human rights and fundamental freedoms,” the statement said.
It also called on Taliban to “ensure safety and security of all Afghan citizens and to hold those responsible to account.”
