Italy flays attack on aid group in Afghanistan

Rome, Jan 24 (IANS/AKI) Italy's Foreign Minister voiced "affection, solidarity and regard" for UK charity Save the Children on Wednesday after gunmen attacked its offices in the Afghan city of Jalalabad, killing at least two people and wounding 14.

"Italy sends a message of affection, solidarity and regard to Save The Children," Angelino Alfano told a national aid and development conference.

"What happened to Save the Children fills our hearts with sadness and reminds us how much those who are on the frontline - not behind a desk - need security," Alfano said.

The Islamic State jihadist group claimed the assault in which the gunmen used a car bomb and rocket-propelled grenades.

The IS, which has established a foothold in eastern Nangarhar province, said in a statement it was targeting British and Swedish groups in the region.

All Save the Children programmess across Afghanistan were temporarily suspended and offices shut after Wednesday's attack.

--IANS/AKI

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