ICRC condemns deadly shooting of staff in northern Afghanistan

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) condemned an attack on Wednesday in which six of its staff were shot and killed by assailants in the northern Afghan province of Jawzan.

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms what appears to be a deliberate attack on our staff. This is a huge tragedy. We're in shock," said president of the ICRC, Peter Maurer, in a statement.

"These staff members were simply doing their duty, selflessly trying to help and support the local community. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of our colleagues killed and those unaccounted for," he added.

According to the Geneva-based organisation, the team, composed of three drivers and five field officers, were on its way to deliver critical livestock materials in an area south of the town of Shibergan.

Six were shot and killed by unknown armed men and two team members remained unaccounted for, ICRC said.

"This is a despicable act. Nothing can justify the murder of our colleagues and dear friends," said the head of the ICRC delegation in Afghanistan, Monica Zanarelli, in a statement.

"At this point, it's premature for us to determine the impact of this appalling incident on our operations in Afghanistan. We want to collect ourselves as a team and support each other in processing this incomprehensible act and finding our two unaccounted for colleagues," she added.

ICRC indicated that it was still unclear as to why such an attack had been carried out. Endit