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KABUL, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) strongly condemned on Saturday a terror attack that killed 80 Afghans and injured 231 others earlier.
"On behalf of the United Nations in Afghanistan, I condemn in the strongest possible terms today's deadly attack that killed and maimed hundreds of civilians gathered to peacefully demonstrate in Kabul city," Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN envoy and head of UNAMA, said in a statement.
Two explosions occurred at Dehmazang square in Kabul city on Saturday targeting a peaceful demonstration, causing horrendous levels of civilian harm. One suicide attacker detonated his device among the demonstrators while police reportedly shot and killed a second attacker, according to the statement.
"An attack deliberately targeting a large, concentrated group of civilians amounts to a war crime. This incident is an outrage that cannot be justified. It is an attempt to spread terror amongst civilians and stifle the freedoms that Afghans have sacrificed so much to obtain,"the statement reads.
"On behalf of the United Nations in Afghanistan, I express our deep condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery for the injured," Yamamoto said.
The NATO-led Resolute Support mission has also condemned the deadly incident.
"Our condolences go out to those who are affected by today's attack," said RS Commander Gen. John W. Nicholson.
"We strongly condemn the actions of Afghanistan's enemies of peace and remain firmly committed to supporting our Afghan partners and the National Unity Government."
The RS commander also praised the Afghan law enforcement officials and medical personnel whose efforts prevented additional casualties, according to the statement. Enditem
