WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Wednesday following a truck bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan:

“I express my deepest condolences to the people of Afghanistan, especially those who were wounded or lost loved ones, in this morning’s heinous truck bomb attack in the diplomatic quarter of Kabul.  Inflicting violence on innocent Afghans who were going about their daily business in the capital is both despicable and senseless—those killed and injured include media representatives and individuals working with the international community to build Afghanistan into the strong, vibrant, and accountable society that its citizens want.  While responsibility for the attack is still being determined, we know with certainty that the perpetrators and their empty, violent ideologies hold no promise for the future of Afghanistan.   

“I commend the Afghan government officials and emergency workers who are responding to this bombing and striving to prevent more like it.  I stand in solidarity with the Afghan people as they once again demonstrate brave resolve in the face of such violence.”

###