World condemns Afghanistan suicide blast

United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) tweeted: "UN Mission in #Afghanistan condemns #Jalalabad and other recent attacks impacting civilians, especially attacks on schools and medical centres."

The Turkish Foreign Minister said in a statement: "We learned with sorrow that a terrorist attack perpetrated in Jalalabad resulted in loss of lives of many and left many others wounded."

"We condemn this heinous terrorist attack, convey our condolences to the friendly Government and the brotherly people of Afghanistan and wish speedy recovery to the wounded," it said.

Ex-Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai said: " I learnt with great sadness about the death of Avtar Singh Khalsa, our dear compatriot and dynamic leader who lost his life in the terrorist attack in Jalalabad. He was a patriot Afghan who desired to represent our Sikh community in the next parliament. I mourn his loss and... extend my profound condolences to his family, friends and our Sikh community."

Condemning the attack, UK Ambassador to Afghanistan Nicholas Kay tweeted: "A despicable attack. My heartfelt condolences. May the victims rest In peace and may the survivors soon enjoy the peace and unity all Afghans crave."

US Ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass also joined the rest of the world in condemning the incident and said: "I was saddened and angered by yesterday’s contemptible attack in #Jalalabad on members of the Afghan Sikh community. May peace be with the victims of this tragedy, and may their families and all of Afghanistan’s people soon live in the #peace they deserve."

Nineteen people, including 17 Sikh minority members, were confirmed dead and another 21 including seven Sikhs were injured as a blast hit Afghanistani city on Sunday at around 3:50pm.

The blast was reportedly targeting a vehicle carrying minority community members.

The bombing is coinciding with country's President Ashraf Ghani's two-day trip to Nangarhar.

As per Pajhwok Afghan News agency report, Daesh also known as the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing in Jalalabad.

Image: Internet Grab