Afghans Denounce Kerman Blasts, Call for United Regional Anti-Terrorism Efforts

Senior officials from Afghanistan's former government and prominent political figures have condemned the recent deadly explosions in Kerman city of Iran.

They have voiced concerns over Afghanistan becoming a hub for international terrorists, stressing the urgency for regional co-operation to combat this threat.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai; Abdullah Abdullah, ex-Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation; Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front; Rangin Dadfar Spanta, former national security adviser; and Hanif Atmar, former foreign minister, are among those who have publicly reacted to the incident.

In a social media statement, Ahmad Massoud remarked, "Terrorism has long tormented our region and continually harms our people." He noted Afghanistan's status as a refuge for regional and international terrorist groups and urged a collective regional fight against extremist ideologies.

Dadfar Spanta emphasised the need for regional solidarity in the battle against international terrorism, declaring, "Terrorism and its supporters must not be appeased; tolerance cannot eradicate terrorism."

Rahmatullah Nabil, former head of the National Directorate of Security, criticised Iran's interactions with the Taliban in light of the Kerman explosions, calling civilian killings a heinous crime.

Hanif Atmar expressed solidarity with Iran, stating, "Afghanistan stands with Iran in this difficult time with complete solidarity and shared grief."

The Afghanistan Freedom Front also responded, empathising with the victims and urging global and regional stakeholders to take a firm stance against terrorist organisations, including the Taliban.

No group has claimed responsibility for the Kerman explosions. The Iranian government has accused Israel of involvement, an allegation Israel denies. Previously, ISIS has carried out several terrorist attacks in Iran.