Iran Strongly Condemns Suicide Attack in Kabul

“By conducting such moves, terrorist groups, including the ISIS, seek to create terror and rifts within the ranks of the Afghan government and people,” Qassemi said in a statement released on Thursday night.

The spokesman said “the vigilance of all Afghan state entities and people holds the key to stopping these groups from achieving their evil goals.”

“By taking such inhumane, indiscriminate and aimless actions, the ISIS has the pious wish of throwing its weight around and making up for its defeats in Syria and Iraq,” Qassemi said.

“Undoubtedly, the will of, and cooperation and solidarity between the Afghan government and people can contribute heavily to the purging of terrorism from this country, which we are sure will happen sooner or later.”

“This is what Iran longs to see happen in Afghanistan as a friendly neighbour,” he added.

At least three people were killed and 22 injured when a gathering of members and leaders of the Shiite Hazara community in Kabul was struck by rockets on Thursday.

Also present at the event were Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and former President Hamid Karzai.

The ceremony was held to mark the 24th anniversary of the death of Shiite Hazara leader Abdul Ali Mazari.