Nine Indians killed in deadly Kabul attack
Kabul/New Delhi: At least nine Indians were among 17 killed in an attack by Taliban suicide bombers in the heart of Kabul early Friday.
The Indian foreign ministry condemned the attack and confirmed the death of nine nationals based on reports by Afghan government officials.
The ministry in a statement said: “There has been a heinous terrorist attack in Kabul today morning targeting a few residential facilities used, among others, by Indian nationals.
“As per the preliminary information provided by Afghan Government officials, up to nine Indians, besides a few others from Afghanistan and third countries, have lost their lives. The deceased Indians include Government officials.”
It said a few Indians have been injured, most of whom are reported to be out of danger.
“Arrangements are being made for their adequate and expeditious treatment, if necessary, by evacuating them to India. Further details are being ascertained.”
“These are the handiwork of those who are desperate to undermine the friendship between India and Afghanistan, and do not wish to see a strong, democratic and pluralistic Afghanistan,” the statement said.
According to reports from Kabul, the militants exploded bombs and unleashed gunbattles in an area with small hotels where foreigners mostly stay. The first explosion occurred at about 6:30 a.m.
Window panes shattered and the neighbourhood shook as the explosions continued followed by gunbattles.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The attacks were near the Safi Landmark Hotel in the Shahr-E-Naw area.
The area also has several government buildings and U.N. offices as well as supermarkets, banks, diplomatic facilities and villas for well-to-do Afghans, reports CNN.
According to Geo News of Pakistan, the targets were two residential hotels. A car bomb flattened the Hamid Guesthouse while the nearby Park Residence was also attacked, the report said.
Condemning the Taliban attack on Kabul that killed nine Indians on Friday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the victims were on goodwill mission to Afghanistan.
"The Indians who have lost their lives were on a mission of goodwill and friendship, helping to construct the peaceful, democratic Afghanistan that our Afghan friends desire," Singh said.
"I convey my heartfelt condolences to their families and near and dear ones, and assure them that we stand with them in this hour of grief, and will render all possible support to them," he said.
"I am deeply saddened and grieved at the loss of lives of Indian nationals in the bomb attack in Kabul, which has also claimed the lives of several innocent Afghan civilians," he said in a statement.
Kabul/New Delhi: At least nine Indians were among 17 killed in an attack by Taliban suicide bombers in the heart of Kabul early Friday. The Indian foreign ministry condemned the attack and confirmed the death of nine nationals based on reports by Afghan government officials. The ministry in a...
Kabul/New Delhi: At least nine Indians were among 17 killed in an attack by Taliban suicide bombers in the heart of Kabul early Friday.
The Indian foreign ministry condemned the attack and confirmed the death of nine nationals based on reports by Afghan government officials.
The ministry in a statement said: “There has been a heinous terrorist attack in Kabul today morning targeting a few residential facilities used, among others, by Indian nationals.
“As per the preliminary information provided by Afghan Government officials, up to nine Indians, besides a few others from Afghanistan and third countries, have lost their lives. The deceased Indians include Government officials.”
It said a few Indians have been injured, most of whom are reported to be out of danger.
“Arrangements are being made for their adequate and expeditious treatment, if necessary, by evacuating them to India. Further details are being ascertained.”
“These are the handiwork of those who are desperate to undermine the friendship between India and Afghanistan, and do not wish to see a strong, democratic and pluralistic Afghanistan,” the statement said.
According to reports from Kabul, the militants exploded bombs and unleashed gunbattles in an area with small hotels where foreigners mostly stay. The first explosion occurred at about 6:30 a.m.
Window panes shattered and the neighbourhood shook as the explosions continued followed by gunbattles.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The attacks were near the Safi Landmark Hotel in the Shahr-E-Naw area.
The area also has several government buildings and U.N. offices as well as supermarkets, banks, diplomatic facilities and villas for well-to-do Afghans, reports CNN.
According to Geo News of Pakistan, the targets were two residential hotels. A car bomb flattened the Hamid Guesthouse while the nearby Park Residence was also attacked, the report said.
Condemning the Taliban attack on Kabul that killed nine Indians on Friday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the victims were on goodwill mission to Afghanistan.
"The Indians who have lost their lives were on a mission of goodwill and friendship, helping to construct the peaceful, democratic Afghanistan that our Afghan friends desire," Singh said.
"I convey my heartfelt condolences to their families and near and dear ones, and assure them that we stand with them in this hour of grief, and will render all possible support to them," he said.
"I am deeply saddened and grieved at the loss of lives of Indian nationals in the bomb attack in Kabul, which has also claimed the lives of several innocent Afghan civilians," he said in a statement.
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