The United States strongly condemns today’s murder of 16 Afghan civilians, 11 of them children, who were killed when terrorists detonated a roadside bomb under a van carrying a group back from an engagement party in Western Herat, Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones affected by this deplorable violence.
With this callous, targeted attack on innocent civilians, terrorists continue to demonstrate blatant disregard for the lives of innocent Afghans and attempt to undermine the cause of peace. As the Secretary said after the death of Afghan High Peace Council Chairman Rabbani, the Afghan people will not be deterred from pursuing a more peaceful, democratic future for their country.
The United States, ISAF, and Afghan Forces will continue to put pressure on those who perpetuate this violence, and we will continue to stand with the people of Afghanistan and support their efforts toward peace, reconciliation, and a secure, stable, and prosperous nation.
