Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo: "Yesterday’s attack on worshippers at a mosque in Nangarhar, Afghanistan reveals the cowardice and cruelty of those who disregard human life and perpetuate violence against innocents. Places of worship should be sanctuaries, not targets for deadly attacks. Afghans, and people around the world, have the right to live and worship together in safety. We condemn in the strongest terms this intentional attack on civilians, and offer our condolences to the victims and their families.

"The United States remains committed to peace and stability in Afghanistan, and will continue to fight against terrorism. We stand by the people of Afghanistan who only want peace and a future free from these abhorrent acts of violence."