US condemns Taliban's terrorist attack in Kabul

The United States condemned the Taliban's attack on a restaurant in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, which has killed 21 civilians, including Americans, and injured others, White House said Saturday. "There is no possible justification for this attack, which has killed innocent civilians, including Americans, working every day to help the Afghan people achieve a better future," said a statement issued by the White House. Twenty-one people, including 13 foreigners, were killed in Friday's terrorist attack, Afghan police chief General Mohammad Zahir Zahir said Saturday. Four UN staff members, including Wabel Abdallah, the International Monetary Fund Resident Representative, were among those killed in the bloody incident, according to UN mission office in Kabul. While sending condolences to all the victims of the attack and their families, and praying for a speedy recovery for those injured, the U.S. called on the Taliban to put down their arms and begin peace talks, which is the "surest way to end the conflict in a peaceful manner," said the statement. "With this despicable, targeted attack on innocent civilians, terrorists continue to demonstrate blatant disregard for life and for the peaceful, prosperous future Afghans want and are working so hard to achieve," said Jen Psaki, spokeswoman for U.S. State Department in a separate statement. The U.S. and its international partners remain steadfast in the commitment to the people of Afghanistan and support their efforts toward peace, reconciliation, and a secure, stable, and prosperous nation, Psaki said.