The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has joined Afghan President Hamid Karzai in condemning Monday's deadly suicide bombing that killed at least ten people, including a key anti-Taliban figure, in the northern Baghlan province.
Haji Rasool Khan Mohseni, head of the provincial council, was among those killed in the attack, which took place outside the Baghlan Provincial Council headquarters in the provincial capital Pul-e Khomri.
According to officials, the suicide bomber, who was disguised as a military officer, detonated his suicide vest as Mohseni was entering the Council's headquarters along with his bodyguards and a group of elders. Causalities included several of his bodyguards and elders.
Mohseni was widely regarded as the most powerful man in the relatively peaceful Baghlan province since the days he led a revolt against the Taliban regime. Notably, the Afghan Taliban has claimed responsibility for Monday's bombing.
Condemning the deadly attack, top ISAF Commander Gen. Joseph F. Dunford said in a statement: "We stand with the Afghan leadership in condemning the attack on the Baghlan Provincial Council, which killed many Afghan civilians."
"Innocent civilians and public servants were killed and injured because of the insurgency's indiscriminate use of suicide attacks. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who were impacted in today's attack," he added.
Incidentally, the ISAF is currently making efforts to get the Afghan security forces ready and capable of handling local security prior to the planned withdrawal of international coalition troops by the end of 2014.
However, there are wide concerns in the South Asian country about the ability of Afghan security forces to counter the Taliban insurgency without the same level of foreign military assistance and presence.
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