TEHRAN - Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi strongly condemned a terrorist attack in Afghan capital Kabul on Monday which left at least 29 people dead and 40 injured.

“In spite of such violent, inhuman and brutal actions by the terrorist and extremist groups, the Afghan government and people will continue the path of fighting extremism and violence more powerfully,” he said.

And the Iranian people and government will be on the side of the Afghans in this “difficult path”, Qassemi added.

Qassemi also offered condolences to the Afghan government and people over the deadly attack and expressed sympathy with the families of the victims.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the suicide car bomb attack in Kabul. According to CNN, in a statement released by Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, the group said the bomb’s target was a bus carrying Afghan intelligence staff.

The blast hit an area close to the home of Mohammad Mohaqiq, the deputy government Chief Executive.

The UN figures show that more than 1,600 civilians were killed in Afghanistan in the first half of the year.

NA/PA