WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today released the following statement on the Taliban attack in Afghanistan:

“I strongly condemn the terrorist attack in central Kabul today, and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrible violence.  The first major attack of the Taliban's spring offensive, this cowardly act killed many innocent men, women, and children.  There can be no justification for this sort of bloodshed.

“As Afghan authorities work to heal the wounded and restore calm, it's also important to focus on enhancing long-term security to prevent future attacks and protect the Afghan people.  That's why American training programs remain so important.  We're working hand-in-hand with the Afghan government to build the capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces, and today's attack is a stark reminder of why these efforts must continue.”

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