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Afghanistan: Joint statement by the High Representative Borrell and Commissioner Lenarčič on the escalation of violence

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Afghanistan
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EC
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The European Union condemns the significant escalation of violence across Afghanistan caused by the intensified attacks of the Taliban, in particular the armed attack on the UNAMA office in Herat province, the attack and subsequent fighting in Lashkar Gah having caused at least 40 civilian casualties, and the most recent attack targeting the Kabul residence of Defence Minister Bismillah Mohammadi which killed eight and wounded at least 20 people. The EU calls for an urgent, comprehensive and permanent ceasefire to give peace a chance.

This senseless violence is inflicting immense suffering upon Afghan citizens and is increasing the number of internally displaced persons in search of safety and shelter. The Taliban’s military offensive is in direct contradiction to their stated commitment to a negotiated settlement of the conflict and the Doha peace process.

Violations of principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and human rights continue to rock the country, in particular in Taliban-controlled areas, such as arbitrary and extrajudicial killings of civilians, public lashing of women and the destruction of infrastructure. Some of these acts could amount to war crimes and will have to be investigated. Those Taliban fighters or commanders responsible must be held accountable.

Nabila MASSRALI(link sends e-mail)
Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
+32 (0) 2 29 88093
+32 (0) 460 79 52 44

Xavier CIFRE QUATRESOLS(link sends e-mail)
EEAS Press Officer
+32 2 297 35 82
+32 460 75 51 56

Daniel PUGLISI(link sends e-mail)
Press Officer for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management
+32 (0)2 29 69140
+32 (0)460 767374