Condemnations pour in as Kabul carnage death toll soars

Condemnations poured in from across the world as death toll from the twin blasts in Kabul soared to over 85 on Friday.

Pakistan Foreign Office ‘strongly’ condemned the heinous terrorist attack at the Kabul airport, which reportedly resulted in the loss of several precious lives, including children.

“Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We convey our sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of those injured,” the statement added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the incident underscores the volatility of the situation in Afghanistan.

“The Secretary-General is following with great concern the situation, ongoing situation in Kabul and especially at the airport,” his Spokesman Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement read out at the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.

“He condemns this terrorist attack which killed and injured a number of civilians and extends his deep condolences to the families of those killed,” the statement said, adding the UN chief stands in solidarity and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.

He further said that the incident underscores the volatility of the situation on the ground in Afghanistan.

“It also strengthens our resolve as we continue to deliver urgent assistance across the country in support of the Afghan people,” the statement added.

In response to a question, the spokesman said that efforts were being made to determine whether any member of UN staff was among the casualties.

In his message on Twitter, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson “utterly condemned the barbaric terrorist”.

“The threat of terrorist attack is one of the constraints we’ve been operating under, but our evacuation effort continues with over 12,000 extracted so far,” he said.

I utterly condemn the barbaric terrorist attack in Kabul in which Afghans and members of the US military lost their lives.

The threat of terrorist attack is one of the constraints we’ve been operating under, but our evacuation effort continues with over 12,000 extracted so far. pic.twitter.com/DXCFPj9KQC

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 26, 2021

Meanwhile, foreign ministries of Saudi Arabia, India and Turkey also issued statements condemning the attack and extending condolences to the bereaved families.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement, said that the kingdom was keeping a close eye on the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

Reiterating its position the Saudi foreign ministry said that “it rejects such criminal acts”.

“It is incompatible with the principles of any religion in the world and with high human and moral values,” the statement added.

India’s External Affairs Ministry said that the attack “reinforces the need for the world to stand unitedly against terrorism and all those who provide sanctuaries to terrorists.”

Taliban also strongly condemned the attack.

Taliban’s spokesperson Suhail Shaheen, in a tweet, said “the Islamic Emirate strongly condemns the bombing of civilians at Kabul airport, which took place in an area where US forces are responsible for security.”

“The Islamic Emirate is paying close attention to the security and protection of its people,” the spokesperson added.