Bishop condemns "cowardly" Kabul attack

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has condemned the appalling bomb blast in Kabul, an attack that has not involved any Australians.

Kabul attack

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has described a deadly Taliban attack in Kabul as "cowardly". (AAP)

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says she's not aware any Australians were caught up in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan that killed 95 people and injured 150 others.

Ms Bishop described Saturday's attack, in which an explosives packed ambulance exploded at a checkpoint in Kabul, as "cowardly" and says the Australian government have strongly condemned the action, for which the Taliban have claimed responsibility.

"The Australian Embassy in Kabul is not aware, at this stage, of any Australians having been affected," Ms Bishop said in a statement on Sunday.

"It highlights the continued threat posed by terrorist and insurgent groups to the people of Afghanistan.

"We will continue to work with the government of Afghanistan and other members of the international community to assist their efforts to build a safer and more prosperous future for the Afghan people."

Federal Labor joined the government in offering support to build a country where people can live their lives free from the constant threat of violence.

In a joint statement, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and his foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong described the attack as "despicable and cowardly".

"Labor again pays tribute to the bravery and dedication of Australian diplomats working in Afghanistan, and their swift work in assuring friends and family back home that no Australians appear to have been caught up in these tragic events," they said.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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