UN deplores deadly twin attacks on Afghan civilians during Shiite holiday
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 6 December 2011 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, UN deplores deadly twin attacks on Afghan civilians during Shiite holiday, 6 December 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4ee1cbaa2.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Both explosions happened around midday, according to media reports. A suicide bomber struck a shrine packed with worshippers in the capital, Kabul, reportedly killing at least 54 people, while another blast struck near a mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, killing four.
The attacks occurred on the Shiite holiday of Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Hussein.
"The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms such indiscriminate attacks against civilians and extends his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wounded," his spokesperson said in a statement.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expressed its heartfelt condolences and stressed that the attacks have no justification.
"Such illegal and indiscriminate attacks are completely unacceptable and those responsible are fully accountable for the deaths and injuries of civilians caused by such brutal acts," the mission stated.
The attacks come a day after leaders from over 100 countries and international organizations met in Bonn, Germany, to pledge their continued support for Afghanistan in its efforts to build a better, peaceful and prosperous life for its people.
