White House denounces terror attacks in Afghanistan

An injured woman and her child receive medical treatment at a hospital in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Oct 12, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON -- The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attacks at two mosques in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan and the attack in the country's Balkh Province, the White House said Wednesday.

The attacks, which came as Afghans were observing Ashura rituals during holy Muslim's month of Muharram, killed at least 32 people and wounded more than 80.

"These cowardly attacks... targeted Shia civilians preparing for the Ashura holy day of mourning and were clearly designed to stoke sectarian tension in Afghanistan," Ned Price, spokesperson for White House's National Security Council, said in a statement.

The US commended the Afghan police and other security forces who bravely responded to these attacks and fully support efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, Price said.

The US stands with the people and Government of Afghanistan as we work together to build a more secure, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan, the spokesperson added.