US slams attack, salutes Afghan security forces

WASHINGTON (Pajhwok): Strongly condemning the terrorist attack on the American University in Kabul, the US on Wednesday saluted Afghan forces for responding to the attack and securing the top educational institution of the country.

“The United States condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack today on the American University of Afghanistan. We salute the quick work of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces who responded to the attack and secured the university.”

Ned Price, spokesman for the National Security Council at the White House, said: “We send our thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of those killed and our heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to those wounded. 

“We further reaffirm the support of the United States for the Afghan government and people as they continue to build a more stable, secure, and prosperous Afghanistan,” Price added.

State Department spokespersonElizabeth Trudeau called the attack on the university an attack on the future of Afghanistan. A small number of Resolute Support advisors were assisting their Afghan counterparts.

The advisors are not playing a combat role but advising Afghan counterparts. White House Press SecretaryJosh Earnest said the the attack underscores the significant challenge facing the people of Afghanistan. 

“But we continue to see the skill and professionalism of Afghan security forces improve. That's not happening by accident. That's happening because of the commitment that the US and NATO partners have made to enhancing the capacity of Afghan forces to provide for the security situation in their own country,” he told a news conference.

At an election rally in Mississippi, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump sent his thoughts and prayers to everyone at the American University in Kabul,

“We must defeat Radical Islamic terrorism. Anyone who will not name our enemy is not fit to lead this country,” Trump said.

“This tragic attack on a symbol of hope and progress is yet another reminder of the increasingly perilous security situation in Afghanistan,” said Senator Richard Burr, Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

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