Washington, DC -  The United States condemns the suicide attack on religious leaders and scholars in Kabul who gathered in the name of peace. Prior to the bombing, Afghanistan’s ulema issued a fatwa that rejected any justification for jihad against the Government of Afghanistan, denied the legitimacy of suicide attacks under Islamic law, and called on all parties to halt fighting. Today’s attack targeting civilians and those religious leaders working towards peace in Afghanistan exposes the terrorists’ inhumanity and contradicts the Islamic principles and legitimacy they claim to defend.

The United States stands by the Afghan government, Afghan security forces, and supports the Afghan ulema in their efforts to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. We remain committed to supporting the Afghan people’s efforts to achieve peace, security, and democracy for their country.