27 civilians killed, 8 wounded in terror attack on a Gurudwara in Kabul; all 4 terrorists killed

New Delhi: At least 27 civilians were killed and 8 wounded in a terror attack on a Gurudwara in Kabul, Afghanistan, triggering a gun battle with security forces, according to media reports.

The attackers targeted a ‘dharamshala’ in Shor Bazar area of Kabul, which has a sizeable population of the Hindu and Sikh minorities. Some reports said the attack began at 7.45 am Afghan time.

#UPDATE 27 civilians killed and 8 wounded in a terror attack on a Gurudwara in Kabul, Afghanistan. All 4 terrorists have been killed by Afghan security forces. pic.twitter.com/4UCOSXtXuw

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

Earlier, In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the “cowardly attack” on the places of religious worship of the minority community, especially at the time of COVID-19 pandemic, was reflective of the “diabolical mindset of the perpetrators and their backers”.

The Ministry conveyed its sincerest condolences to the immediate family members of the deceased and said that New Delhi stands ready to extend all possible assistance to the affected families of the Hindu and Sikh community of Afghanistan.

Suicide attack on a Gurudwara Sahib in Kabul needs to be strongly condemned. These killings are a grim reminder of atrocities that continue to be inflicted upon religious minorities in some countries & the urgency with which their lives & religious freedom have to be safeguarded. pic.twitter.com/yQM3u41dVI

— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) March 25, 2020

“We commend the brave Afghan security forces for their valorous response to the attack and their exemplary courage and dedication to protect the Afghan people and secure the country,” the statement read.