India has expressed anguish and grief over the terror attack on a military base in Mazar-e-Sharif in Afghanistan on Friday that killed over 135 people. Indirectly pointing finger at Pakistan for such attacks, India said on Saturday that the terrorist attack is a stark reminder of the need to immediately dismantle the safe havens and sanctuaries that support and sustain terrorism in Afghanistan from outside its borders.
“Strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Mazar-e-Sharif. Our prayers and condolences to the families who lost loved ones,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
The attack is similar to the ones carried on Indian military bases from Pakistan based terrorists. last year in January the Indian Consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif came under attack from terrorists but was thwarted by the Afghan forces.
“India condemns in the strongest terms the deplorable terrorist attack in Mazar-e-Sharif on 21 April resulting in loss of lives, including the brave personnel of the Afghan National Defence Forces. The Government and the people of India extend their deepest condolences and stand with the Government and people of Afghanistan at this difficult moment. The terrorist attack is a stark reminder of the need to immediately dismantle the safe havens and sanctuaries that support and sustain terrorism in Afghanistan from outside its borders. India remains steadfast in its support to Afghanistan in fighting all forms of terrorism and bringing perpetrators of terrorist violence to justice, wherever they may be,” Ministry of External Affairs said.
The attack was carried out by Taliban on the Afghan National Army's 209 Shaheen Corps Headquarters in Balkh province when the soldiers were eating lunch or coming out of prayers.
According to Afghan news agency Tolo News the attack happened at about 1.30 pm on Friday at a mosque on the base. Insurgents in army vehicles and reportedly wearing military uniforms penetrated multiple layers of security before launching their attack.
The agency added that according to the Taliban's spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid four of the attackers were soldiers and had inside knowledge of the base.