Afghanistan: UN mission condemns attack on American University in Kabul

The United Nations’ mission in Afghanistan has condemned last night’s attack on a university in the capital, Kabul, that killed 12 civilians and injured more than 50 others, mostly students.

“An attack deliberately targeting an educational facility, during evening classes for university students, is an atrocity and those responsible must be held accountable,” Pernille Kardel, the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and Acting Head of the UN Assistance Mission there, known as UNAMA, said in a press statement.

The attack began with the detonation of a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device at a gate of the American University of Afghanistan, after which two gunmen entered the compound during the busy evening class period, according to the statement, which also noted that 11 of the killed were students, nine male and two female.

“The country’s youth are a source of pride and bring real hope for a better future,” Ms. Kardel said, adding that she is hopeful that “violence will not discourage their desire for continued learning and attaining the knowledge and skills critical to Afghanistan’s prosperity.”

On behalf of the Mission, she expressed deepest condolences to the families of those killed in this incident and wished a speedy recovery for all those injured.