IOM chief condemns killing of ICRC staff in Afghanistan

The Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), William Lacy Swing, condemned on Wednesday the latest attack in Afghanistan that left six staff members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) dead.

"I unequivocally condemn the cowardly and murderous attack on our ICRC colleagues in Afghanistan, who were shot and killed while delivering humanitarian aid," he said in a statement issued Wednesday.

"It is an absolute and shocking tragedy that humanitarians should have their lives cruelly cut short, while they themselves are saving lives," he said, adding that all of IOM staff would stand beside their ICRC colleagues.

According to the ICRC, its team, which was composed of three drivers and five field officers, were on its way to deliver much-needed livestock materials in an area south of the town of Shibergan in Jawzan province and was attacked by unknown armed men earlier on Wednesday.

President of the ICRC, Peter Maurer, said in a statement: "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."

It is not yet clear who carried out the attack or why, the ICRC said. Endit