WASHINGTON -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Thursday (May 9) strongly condemned the Taliban's attack on the Counterpart International office in Kabul and commended the Afghan security forces' swift, life-saving response.
Taliban militants stormed the compound of the NGO in Kabul Wednesday (May 8) for allegedly promoting Western culture and the "inter-mixing" of men and women.
Five members of the Afghan security forces, a guard at Counterpoint and three civilians were among those killed, the government said. Several Taliban gunmen who stormed the compound were all killed by Afghan commandos.
"We commend the brave Afghan security forces who responded ... and acted quickly to save lives," Pompeo said in a statement.
We "call again for the Taliban to stop attacking civilians intentionally", he added.
Counterpart International "runs programmes that encourage dialogue on peace, increase youth participation, and improve opportunities for women," he said. "Its Afghan and international staff dedicate their lives in service to the Afghan people and a peaceful, inclusive future for their country."
