Kabul explosion: UN, US condemn terrorist attack, Eiffel Tower to go dark

The UN and the US today strongly condemned the "senseless and cowardly bombing" in Kabul which claimed at least 95 lives and left 158 injured, saying those responsible for it must be brought to justice.

Strongly condemning the Taliban-claimed assault - the second carried out by the militant group in the Afghan capital in a week, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, in a statement said that indiscriminate attacks against civilians are grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and can never be justified.

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the deadly attack today in central Kabul, which was claimed by the Taliban...Those responsible for today's attack must be brought to justice," said a statement attributable to UN Secretary General's spokesperson.

Condemning the attack, the US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert tweeted: "We condemn today's cowardly bombing in Kabul and those who perpetrated it. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we stand with the brave people of #Afghanistan."

US Ambassador to Afghanistan John R Bass, in a statement, also condemned the "senseless and cowardly bombing" in Kabul and those who perpetrated it.

"Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. My government and I stand with the brave people of Afghanistan.? Their work to create a peaceful, prosperous future for all the citizens of this country is the best response to terrorists and others who know only violence," he said.

Meanwhile, the White House said President Donald Trump is aware of the terrorist attack.

Eiffel Tower to go dark

The Eiffel Tower will cut its lights on Saturday night to commemorate those killed and wounded in a devastating ambulance bombing in Kabul, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said on Twitter. 

"Tonight at midnight the Eiffel Tower will go out in homage to the victims of the horrific attack that struck Kabul," Hidalgo said. 

"The city of Paris and Parisians are with the Afghan people who are once again facing terrorist barbarity." 

Meanwhile, India has also condemned the attack with the External Affairs ministry calling the incident as "barbaric and barbaric and dastardly".

The Ministry called the attack "reprehensible" noting that no justification for the tragedy would suffice.

"The perpetrators of these attacks and their supporters should be brought to justice," the release noted.  

President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed his regret on the incident.

"Shocked at the news of the terrorist attack in Kabul. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families & with those injured. India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people & government of Afghanistan in the fight against the forces of terror and evil," noted the President. 

(With inputs from agencies)