UN Mission Condemns Attack On UN Compound In Herat

UN Mission In Afghanistan Condemns Attack On UN Compound In Herat

New York, Oct 23 2010 1:10PM

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan today condemned an attack on the UN compound in the western city of Herat and stressed that the Organization was in the country to support efforts to restore peace there and provide humanitarian and development assistance to the people.

The attack did not disrupt UN activities in Herat and no UN staff was hurt. At least two security guards were injured in the attack, a spokesperson for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement.

"We commend and are grateful to the internal international security guards for their bravery and courage in initially responding to this attack. On behalf of all who serve the UN in Afghanistan, we further thank the Afghan National Police Force, the Afghan security forces and Government authorities, as well as the International Security Assistance Force, for their assistance in protecting UN person nel and thwarting this attack," the statement added. UNAMA expressed sympathy for the security officers injured in the attack and their families.

"The United Nations will continue to maintain its presence and programmes in Herat for the benefit of the population in need and in support of the Afghan authorities," UNAMA added. According to media reports, a group of assailants attacked the compound minutes before midday, local time, sparking a fire fight with guards and the police during which several of the raiders were killed. One of the attackers is reported to have blown himself up with an explosive.

ENDS

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