Karzai, US, ISAF condemn Kunar blast

KABUL on Saturday strongly condemned a suicide attack that killed a district police chief and five others in eastern Kunar province.

The incident took place when the bomber detonated his suicide vest at 2pm outside a mosque after Friday prayers in Ghaziabad district.

The town’s police chief and two policemen were killed in the attack that left another eight people wounded, Abdul Wahid, the Ghaziabad district head, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

But a security official said on condition of anonymity the police chief, Mohammad Ismail, a National Directorate of Security (NDS) worker, two policemen and as many civilians were killed.

In a statement from the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Karzai denounced the bombing as a shameful and cowardly act. He extended his deep condolences to the victims’ families.

“Targeting sacred palaces and mosques is against Islam and such criminals will never be forgiven by Afghans and Almighty Allah,” the president added.

Meanwhile, the US embassy and the International Security Assistance Force commander, Gen John R. Allen, also condemned Friday’s bombing. 

“The insurgents’ brazen and heinous acts show their complete disregard for the Afghan people and their property,” Allen said. “We mourn with our Afghan partners over this tragic loss of life.”

The United States remained committed to working alongside Afghan allies to prevent violent acts of terror, and would continue to support Afghanistan as it worked to provide and improve security for the people, the US embassy said in a statement.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with their spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, saying the district police chief was among 13 security officials killed.  

mrh/ma/mud

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