Afghanistan: UN condemns terrorist attack on partner agency’s compound

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the top United Nations envoy in Afghanistan have strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a compound of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in central Kabul, which earlier today wounded three of the agency’s staff, one seriously.

One staff member from the UN International Labour Organization (ILO) was also injured, according to a statement issued by Ján Kubiš, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). He added that all UN staff members in the capital have been accounted for.

Mr. Ban extended his heartfelt sympathies to those injured. “The Secretary-General greatly regrets the casualties to Afghans and to international aid workers caught in the attack,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

“He calls upon all parties to make every effort to bring the violence to an end and work towards sustainable peace in Afghanistan.”

The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging that its target was a “military rest house,” said Mr. Kubiš, who added that the situation is reported to be under the control of Afghan security forces.

The Special Representative extended his sympathies to all those harmed in the attack and their families, and said he is in touch with the leadership of the IOM, a UN-affiliated organization.

He also recognized with gratitude the “quick actions” of UN security personnel, including Ghurkha guards provided by the firm IDG Security, and Afghan security forces.

“Initial information indicates that one police officer was killed in action. I express my condolences to his family and my sympathies to all IDG Security personnel, Afghan police and security forces injured while bravely responding to this terrorist attack,” he stated.