The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Abdulla Shahid has condemned the terrorist attacks in Afghanistan that took several lives and injured many last week.

A statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday notes that the Maldives minister sent a message of condolence to his counterpart, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Mohammad Haneef Atmar following the twin attacks.

FM Shahid extended heartfelt condolences to the victims and the members of affected and bereaved families on behalf of the people and government of Maldives.

Expressing his deep shock to have heard the news, FM Shahid noted that targeting the most vulnerable including women and newborns at a maternity ward in Kabul, Afghanistan is “exceedingly abhorrent”.

The message further notes that the suicide blast at a funeral in Eastern Afghanistan is “equally appalling”.

FM Shahid declared that the Maldives stands against all forms of acts of terrorism, condemns these “despicable acts of terror” and stands in solidarity with the government and people of Afghanistan.

In a Twitter post, the Minister noted that attacking the most vulnerable is “unforgivable” at a time the country is battling the Covid-19 pandemic. He added that unity in the face of the menace of terrorism is vital in order to bring about peace.

International media reports that the Islamic State (ISIS) has taken responsibility for these deadly attacks that killed over 50 citizens. The attack on a maternity hospital in the country’s capital killed 24 and injured 16 individuals on May 12. Further, the suicide bomb explosion at a funeral in eastern Nangarhar province killed 32 and wounded 103 individuals.