Roadside bomb kills 13 civilians in southeastern Afghanistan

Roadside bomb kills 13 civilians in southeastern Afghanistan

2011-07-02 20:00:31 GMT+7 (ICT)

KABUL (BNO NEWS) -- Thirteen civilians were killed on early Saturday morning when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in southeastern Afghanistan, officials said. Two children were among those killed.

The blast happened in the Shamulzai district of Zabul province which, with its sparse population and insecure border with Pakistan, is a fertile ground for insurgents fighting against the Afghan government and coalition forces.

According to the office of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, the explosion struck a civilian vehicle which was transporting a number of refugees from Pakistan. The attack left thirteen people killed, including two children and four women.

Karzai condemned the bombing as an 'inhumane act by the enemies' of Afghanistan. "The president said that [the victim's] blood will not go without punishment," a statement from his spokesman said. Karzai also offered his condolences to the families of the victims.

The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) condemned the attack as well. "Those responsible for this heinous act showed that their pursuit of power is more important to them than the sanctity of human life," said Rear Admiral Vic Beck, ISAF Director of Public Affairs. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, and we will work with the government of Afghanistan to help bring the perpetrators to justice."

On Thursday, 20 people were killed when a roadside bomb struck a passenger bus in the Khash Rod District of Afghanistan's southwestern province of Nimroz. Another roadside bomb destroyed a vehicle in Helmand province, killing a mother, father, and their four children.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-07-02