A view of Kabul, Photo UNAMA/Fardin Waezi
Ninety five people were confirmed killed and another 158 injured when attackers blew up an ambulance packed with explosives in central district of the Afghan capital Saturday.
The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility for one of the deadliest attacks.
An Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman blamed the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network for the massacre in the high-security part of Kabul, which is close to Jamhuriat hospital, public offices and a school.
The bombing follows another Taliban-claimed attack on the city’s Intercontinental Hotel which left more than 20 dead including foreigners.
A few days ago, a Daesh killed at least three people at the office of Save the Children in Jalalabad, further compounding troubles for the country.
Abdullah Fahimi, a Kabul-based researcher told a TV channel that the attack could be in response to the government’s recent efforts to pound the Taliban in remote areas.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Kabul.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the dastardly terrorist attack in Kabul today. We express deep grief and sorrow at the loss of precious human lives in this terrorist attack in which a number of people have also been reportedly injured,” according to a statement of Foreign Office.
It added that the government and the people of Pakistan conveyed solidarity and support with the Government and people of Afghanistan at this brutal terrorist attack. “We convey our deepest sympathies for those who have lost their loved ones and our sincere prayers and wishes are for early recovery of those who have sustained injuries in this dreadful terror attack”, statement concluded.
“Pakistan reiterates its strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. No cause or ends justify acts of terrorism against innocent people. We emphasize the need for concerted efforts and effective cooperation among the states to eradicate the scourge of terrorism.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the United Nations office in Afghanistan have strongly condemned the bomb attack.
According to United Nations,the attackers used a vehicle painted to look like an ambulance, including bearing the distinctive medical emblem, what the UN Assistance Mission in the country, known as UNAMA, flagged as a “clear violation of international humanitarian law.”
In a statement from his Spokesman, Mr. Guterres said that indiscriminate attacks against civilians are grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and can never be justified.
“Those responsible for today’s attack must be brought to justice,” he added.
