TEHRAN - The Islamic Republic of Iran has strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack that targeted a group of foreign tourists in a market in Bamiyan, a central province of Afghanistan. 

In a statement issued on Saturday, Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and extended prayers for the swift recovery of those injured in the attack.

According to reports, the tourists were ambushed by an unidentified armed man while walking through a market in the mountainous city of Bamiyan, approximately 180 kilometres from the capital Kabul, on Friday evening. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. 

"All dead bodies have been transferred to Kabul and are currently undergoing forensic examination," stated Abdul Mateen Qane, spokesperson for the Afghan interior ministry, on Saturday. "Both the deceased and the injured include women."

Qane further added that among the eight wounded individuals, four of whom are foreign nationals, only one elderly foreign woman remains in critical condition.

The death toll has risen to six, including two Afghan civilians and one Taliban member, Qane confirmed.

Security forces have swiftly apprehended four individuals in connection with the attack, Qane stated.

The Taliban government has vehemently condemned the atrocity, expressing profound sympathies to the families of the victims and vowing to apprehend and punish all perpetrators.

Sources from Afghan hospitals indicate that preliminary investigations suggest the presence of three Spanish nationals among the deceased, while the wounded hail from Norway, Australia, Lithuania, and Spain.

A spokesperson for the Spanish foreign ministry has confirmed the presence of Spanish nationals among the victims, but the precise number of casualties is yet to be ascertained.

International bodies have also reacted to the attack, expressing concern over the rise of violence in Afghanistan. 

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed its profound shock and dismay over the attack, describing it as a "heinous act of violence" against unarmed civilians and tourists.

In a statement issued on Saturday, UNAMA strongly condemned the "deadly terrorist attack" in central Afghanistan, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and uphold the rule of law.

The agency also highlighted its commitment to providing assistance in the aftermath of the incident, offering support to the affected individuals and their families.

"UNAMA is providing assistance following the incident," the statement read, underscoring the organization's dedication to promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Bamiyan, known for its rugged mountain landscapes, is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site and the remnants of two colossal Buddha statues that were regrettably destroyed by the Taliban during their previous reign in 2001.

Terrorism and insecurity have become rampant across Afghanistan, which remains in shambles after two decades of war, destruction, and occupation by U.S. forces.