The United States has strongly condemned the attack on an education academy in Kabul on Wednesday that killed 48 people and wounded dozens.
"The United States government strongly condemns and is appalled by today's suicide attack at an education center and a community in Kabul that killed 48 innocent civilians and injured many more,” Heather Nauert, the spokeswoman for US State Department said, adding that “We send our deepest condolences to the families of those who were affected and their friends and wish for a speedy recovery for those who were wounded.”
“The horrific attack is a clear effort to foment sectarian violence and hold back the Afghan people's hopes for a future of peace and security. It reminds us once again the importance of reaching a peaceful solution to the conflict in Afghanistan.
“The United States continues to stand with the government of Afghanistan and the people of Afghanistan and will continue to support their efforts to achieve peace and security in the country,” she said.
The Ministry of Public Health on Wednesday night confirmed the death toll had risen to 48 in the suicide bombing in a classroom at an education academy in Dasht-e-Barchi in PD18.
The explosion happened at about 4.10pm local time while students were in class. At least 67 people were also wounded.
Photographs released on social media after the explosion were testimony to the carnage caused inside the classroom at Mawoud Academy.
Mawoud Academy is a private education facility that provides tertiary education programs to students wanting to go to university. The academy is known for providing a high standard of education.
This academy's classes are mixed, with both girls and boys attending. About 100 students were believed to have been in the classroom at the time of the explosion.
Desperate relatives of victims gathered outside the academy waiting for information, while many more went to Istiqlal Hospital – where most of the victims were taken.
Family members however voiced their anger over the security situation and said government should have provided better security to protect the academy which they said "was under threat in the past".
The Taliban has denied responsibility for the attack.