2012-01-CA-008
 
KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 18, 2012) -- General John R. Allen, commander of International Security Assistance Force, today condemned a suicide attack in the Kajaki Sofla Bazaar that killed and injured dozens of Afghan civilians, Afghan National Security Force and International Security Assistance Force members.

"On behalf of ISAF, I would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the dozens of victims and their families. We send our prayers and thoughts for a speedy recovery for those injured in these brutal attacks," said Allen. "With today's horrendous attack at the Kajaki Sofla Bazaar, insurgents have once again destroyed the lives of dozens of innocent Afghan civilians."

"These attacks against the people of Afghanistan have no effect on the progress we are together making here with our Afghan partners and will only further isolate the Taliban from the process of peace negotiation.

Mullah Omar has lost all control over Taliban insurgents, otherwise he would immediately denounce these attacks and order his 'forces' to stop attacking innocent Afghan civilians."

Allen concluded, "This latest act of violence further confirms that the insurgency has declared outright war on the people of Afghanistan and will stop at nothing to continue to use terrorism and intimidation to advance their own malign and selfish ends. ISAF will continue to partner with the Afghan National Security Forces to eliminate this scourge and hold the perpetrators accountable."