Bahrain condemns terrorist bombings in Afghanistan

Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday condemned in strongest terms the terrorist bombings that took place in a number of cities in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of civilians, including children. In a statement, the Ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the victims, wishing those injured speedy recovery. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed Bahrain’s solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, reiterating its unequivocal position that rejects all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism, regardless of their motives and justifications.

Taliban militants have recently stormed a US-funded aid group’s central Kabul compound, having targeted the organisation for promoting Western culture and the “inter-mixing” of men and women. At least five people were killed and dozens more wounded in the latest attack in the Afghan capital. The assault began around midday (0730 GMT) with a large explosion at Counterpart International, a non-profit group funded primarily by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US State Department. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said four attackers then entered the compound before Afghan security forces launched an hours-long clearance operation.

At about 6:00 pm, Rahimi said “all the attackers have been killed.” He said four civilians and one police officer were also killed, while about 200 people had been rescued from the area throughout the day. In a statement, Counterpart said it was working to confirm the well-being of its staff.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, saying Counterpart International was targeted because it promoted the “inter-mixing” of men and women. Counterpart’s website says it runs an Afghan civic engagement programme supporting women and other marginalised groups across Afghanistan.