Egypt, world condemn Kabul attack targeting Afghan vice president

CAIRO – 11 September 2020: Egypt’s Foreign Ministry and the World Organization for Al Azhar Graduates, as well as the United Nations and many countries, have condemned an attack in the Afghan capital of Kabul, which attempted to kill the country's First Vice President, Amrullah Saleh.

Saleh survived the roadside bomb’s blast but dozens of civilians, mostly bystanders, were wounded, including at least 10 who were killed. The Taliban armed group denies its involvement in the attack.

In an official statement the Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that Egypt’s government and people are offering their condolences to the Afghani government and people as well as the families of the victims.

Egypt also reiterated its condemnation of all forms of terrorism, violence, extremism, voicing support to Afghanistan in any measures it takes to protect its stability and security.

The World Organization for Al Azhar Graduates condemned the attack, saying that targeting innocent lives is totally prohibited by Islam, Egyptian state’s news agency MENA reported.

It added that it prays to Allah to save the whole world from the throes of discrimination, extremism and terrorism.

The attack comes while direct peace negotiations are set to take place between the Afghan government and the Taliban, to end four decades of conflict, which has killed thousands of people in the country and displaced millions.

The United Nations condemned the attack, highlighting the need to reach a peaceful settlement to the conflict. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished those injured in the attack speedy recovery, the UN said in a statement.

“The Secretary-General reiterates the urgency of achieving a peaceful settlement to the conflict in the country and reaffirms the United Nations commitment to supporting the people and Government of Afghanistan in this important endeavour,” added the statement.

Separately, Deborah Lyons, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, denounced the attack, affirming that perpetrators “must face justice”.

Relieved to hear @AmrullahSaleh2 survived today’s deplorable attack in #Kabul #Afghanistan and wish him all the best for a speedy recovery. Shocked by initial high number of civilian casualties, mainly bystanders. Perpetrators must face justice.

— Deborah Lyons (@DeborahLyonsUN) September 9, 2020

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation deplored such criminal acts, and reiterated its full rejection to all the kinds of violence, aiming at destabilizing the security and stability.

Such acts is contradicted with the religious and human values and principles, the statement added.

The Secretariat General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) wished the injured a speedy recovery and confirmed in a statement its firm solidarity with Afghanistan to confront the phenomena of violence, terror and extremism in all their forms.

Also, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) voiced rejection to all forms and motives of terrorism and extremism in the wake of the attack. GCC’s Secretary-General Nayef Falah Mubarak voiced solidarity with the South Asian country in countering terrorism and enhancing security and stability.

Following the attack, Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said his country stands with Afghanistan in the face of “terror infrastructure and sponsors”.

India strongly condemns cowardly terrorist attack on Afg VP @AmrullahSaleh2. Our condolences to martyrs & prayers with injured. India stands with Afghanistan in the fight to eradicate terror infrastr & sponsors for enduring peace in Afg. #IndiaStandsWithAfg

— Anurag Srivastava (@MEAIndia) September 9, 2020

The press and public relations office of the first vice president said the blast took place in the 4th district of Kabul, near the former Taimani square.

The terrorist attack has failed, his office said.

Saleh was mildly injured in his hand and his eldest son accompanying him is also reported to be safe, it added.

Zabiullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, denied in a tweet, the group's involvement in the attack.