Afghanistan: UN envoy condemns deadly suicide attack that killed 27 civilians

The top UN official in Afghanistan today condemned the deadly attack perpetrated on Sunday in the eastern province of Khost.

“On behalf of the United Nations in Afghanistan, I condemn, in the strongest terms, yesterday's suicide attack in Khost Matun city, Khost province that killed 27 civilians and injured at least 10 others”, said Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General's Special Representative in the country, expressing his deep condolences to the families of the victims.

Yesterday evening, right before the Iftar – the meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset –, a suicide bomber detonated a vehicle packed with explosives at an Afghan security forces checkpoint located near a bazaar.

“A suicide attack near a community bazaar can never be justified. Those responsible for this indiscriminate attack must be held accountable,” added Mr. Haysom.

Among those killed were three women and 12 children, points out the statement issued by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which Mr. Haysom heads. Six members of the Afghan security forces also lost their lives in the attack.

The UN Envoy reiterated UNAMA's repeated calls for the immediate ban of weapons which kill indiscriminately and to cease attacks in civilian-populated areas.

The conflict in Afghanistan is resulting in thousands of people being killed or wounded, forcing families to leave their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring communities, according to Mark Bowden, the UN Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative in the country.