Gunmen in northern Afghanistan killed 10 people and injured 16 others who were part of a charity operation working to deactivate explosives in nearby minefields, according to the group.
The Halo Trust announced on Wednesday that “an unknown armed group” attacked the workers at around 9:50 p.m. local time at a camp in the Baghlan province north of Kabul, where about 110 workers from local communities were involved in the demining effort.
“We strongly condemn the attack on our staff, who were carrying out humanitarian work to save lives,” the British-American charity said in a statement.
TALIBAN AVERSION TO PEACE TALKS COULD IMPERIL US DIPLOMATS AND INTERPRETERS AFTER MILITARY LEAVES
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the Wednesday attack and said its gunmen shot the workers after locking them inside two rooms, according to NBC News.
— The HALO Trust (@TheHALOTrust) June 9, 2021
State Department spokesman Ned Price condemned the attack on the Halo Trust in a Wednesday press briefing, calling the group’s mission “essential work that benefits all Afghans,” as did U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ross Wilson, who called for an immediate investigation.
“This attack on [Halo Trust] mine clearers in Baghlan is horrific and senseless,” he wrote on Twitter. “The United States condemns these killings; humanitarian and aid workers are protected by International Humanitarian Law.”
“Mine clearers are the bravest of the brave,” Wilson continued. “They make Afghanistan a safer place to raise a family, grow a business, build a farm, and enjoy a full life.”
Ramiz Alakbarov, who is a resident and the humanitarian coordinator for the United Nations in Afghanistan, shared his condolences in a statement.
“It is repugnant that an organization that works to clear landmines and other explosives and better the lives of vulnerable people could be targeted,” Alakbarov said.
The Halo Trust began its work destroying mines in Afghanistan in 1988 following the withdrawal of Soviet troops.
“When conflict ends, land is all too often littered with landmines and other dangerous explosives. Families live in fear and poverty,” the organization’s website explains, adding, “True peace doesn’t come until their land is safe.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
On April 27, the State Department ordered certain employees of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul “whose functions can be performed elsewhere” to evacuate due to the violence.
