At least 29 killed in suicide bombing in northern Afghanistan

At least 29 killed in suicide bombing in northern Afghanistan

2011-02-21 21:45:03 GMT+7 (ICT)

KUNDUZ, AFGHANISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- At least 29 people on Monday were killed and over 30 injured after a suicide bombing in northern Afghanistan, officials said.

The attack took place at a population registration office in Kunduz, northern Afghanistan. The blast occurred as many people were inside in order to receive their national identity cards (Tazkera).

The attacker arrived by foot at the office located in Imam Sahib district. Among the fatalities there were women and children and the body of the suicide bomber was severely burned and could not be identified, according to Pajhwok Afghan News.

The United States strongly condemned the suicide attack that killed at least 29 Afghan civilians and wounded over 30. According to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, the attack demonstrated the terrorists' cowardice and complete disregard for human life.

"We will, as always, stand beside our Afghan partners to improve security and will continue to work so that these senseless and brutal acts of violence no longer disrupt the lives of the Afghan people," said Embassy spokesperson Kerri Hannan.

So far, no group has taken responsibility for the suicide bombing. Recently, Kunduz governor said that the province was secure and free of insurgent activity.

On Saturday, a coordinated suicide attack on a bank in the Afghan city of Jalalabad killed at least 40 Afghans while more than 70 others were injured. Most of the fatalities were Afghan National Security Forces. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-02-21