US, Pakistan, Amnesty International Condemn Kabul Terrorist Attacks

Amnesty International says a recent attack by militants on the office of an international NGO in Kabul constitutes a ‘War Crime.’

“The attack by an armed group on the aid agency CARE International… is the deliberate targeting of civilians and constitutes a war crime,” the Britain-based human-rights group said in a statement on Tuesday. On Tuesday, gunfire erupted when a group of armed men stormed the building of CARE International following a car bomb explosion.At least one civilian was killed and six others wounded in the incident which occurred in the Shar-e-Naw district of Kabul.

Three armed men who had launched the offensive were also gunned down by Afghan security forces.According to Afghan officials, forty-two people were rescued from the building, including ten foreigners. The area is home to several guest houses, which provide accommodation to many foreigners and diplomats.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the fifth to hit the Afghan capital in 24 hours.

AmnestyInternational also called for an independent investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, Mark Toner also condemned the attack. “First of all, we strongly condemn the Taliban attacks on the ministry of defense yesterday in Afghanistan as well as today’s attack against CARE International, which is an institution dedicated to helping Afghans build a better future,” the Tolo News quoted Toner as saying.

Toner also commended the courageous actions that were taken by the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces in the aftermath of the attacks.

“They responded quickly and decisively to the incidents. And we’ll – we’re going to stand strong with our Afghan partners as they strive to improve citizen safety and security and work towards building a lasting peace in that nation,” Toner said.

Pakistan has also strongly condemned the twin terrorist attacks in Kabul yesterday.

A Spokesman for Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesman extended Pakistan’s profound condolences to the Government and the people of Afghanistan and the families of those who lost their loved ones in this brutal terrorist attack.

Pakistan reiterated its condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations.