Washington, DC - The United States condemns in the strongest terms the vicious attack today in Kabul that killed dozens of Afghans and wounded many more. We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, and we offer President Ghani whatever assistance he may require as his government investigates and works to bring the murderers to justice.

The innocent victims today were, as President Ghani said, exercising nothing more than their constitutional right of peaceful demonstration. They were gathered together as free citizens, protected by brave security forces who also fell victim in the line of duty.

The killers responsible for this bloodshed do not represent the future for Afghanistan and will not prevail. Attacks like these only strengthen our resolve to continue our mission in Afghanistan and deepen our support for the people and Government there.

We will stand today, as we have stood for so many years, shoulder to shoulder with our Afghan partners and friends as they strive to bring peace, security, and prosperity to their country.