Foreign Secretary condemns Taliban attack that killed British citizen in Afghan capital Kabul
Philip Hammond has said the 'cowardly actions' should not prevent Afghanistan from working towards a peaceful future
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A British Citizen and at least two others, have been killed after a suicide car bomber rammed a European Union vehicle in Kabul on Sunday.
In a statement Philip Hammond, the Foreign Secretary, expressed his sorrow for the family of the British man killed, who was working as a security contractor in the country.
The attack, which also injured as many as 20 people, took place near the Kabul airport, with the Taliban claiming responsibility for the attack on the European Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL).
The bombing is the latest in a wave of attacks that have taken place since last year’s drawdown of foreign troops to a small training force.
A EUPOL spokeswoman confirmed that one of the mission’s vehicles was hit by an explosion saying that all EUPOL personnel “are in a safe place” with non-fatal injuries, but another person travelling in the vehicle was killed. She did not give the person’s nationality.
Ebadullah Karimi, a police spokesman, said that a bomber in a Toyota Corolla rammed a foreign vehicle on the road from Kabul’s main airport to a NATO military installation nearby.
The car bomb was detonated around 200 metres from the airport’s main entrance, towards NATO’s base.
Rescuers tended to wounded Afghans at the scene, where police established a cordon.
The Taliban insurgents have sought to re-establish a hard-line Islamist regime in the country since the drawdown of foreign forces to about 12,500 troops last year, after they were removed more than 13 years ago.
The Afghan police and army have struggled to prevent attacks at present and are currently in a standoff with Taliban fighters in the north of the country.
Mr Hammond said: "This is the second attack in a matter of days for which the Taliban have claimed responsibility and I strongly condemn their cowardly actions.
"I can confirm that a British security contractor is among those killed in the attack. His family has been informed and my thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.
"These attacks must not stop the people of Afghanistan, with the support of the international community, working towards a more peaceful future."
Additional Reporting: Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments