21 Mar 14: "Two Canadians among 9 killed in Taliban attack on Kabul hotel"

[The Bread Guy]

The four gunmen were swift as they entered the luxury hotel in Kabul, although it took them a few minutes to find the restaurant that was their target, Afghan officials said Friday as they pieced together details of the brazen attack that killed nine people, including two Canadians.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird condemned the attack in Afghanistan’s capital, calling it a “brazen and cowardly attack,” as he boarded a plane Friday with Prime Minister Stephen Harper bound for Europe.

Baird says the attack is an example of how people who are working in Kabul to promote values and help the Afghan people are under attack.

A statement from Foreign Affairs issued Friday has few details other than to say Canadian diplomats in Kabul are working with authorities to gather additional information. Foreign Affairs officials won’t say if the two Canadians were employed with the federal government or not, but a spokesman for Baird tweeted that all Canadian staff at the embassy in Kabul are safe and accounted for.

Afghan officials say among the victims were four foreigners who included two children who were shot in the head.

The Afghan capital has been hit by several attacks, but authorities appeared stunned that the militants had managed to get through the tight security at the Serena hotel — considered one of the safest places to stay in Kabul ....

Ottawa Citizen, 21 Mar 14

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada condemns this brazen and cowardly terrorist attack on the Serena Hotel, in Kabul, which has claimed the lives of many and left several people injured.

“On behalf of all Canadians, we extend our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed and injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of two Canadian citizens who were killed in this attack.

“Many of these people dedicated their lives to helping everyday Afghans build a better country for themselves, including education, and enhancing the role of women and girls in Afghan society. For this selfless work to be met with violence, especially on the occasion of Nowruz, just further proves the depravity of the Taliban and those who support them.

“Acts of terror must not go unpunished, and those who perpetrated and supported this violence must be held accountable.

“While events like this highlight the security challenges that remain in parts of Afghanistan, it only strengthens our resolve to combat the scourge of terrorism in all its forms.

“Canadian consular officials in Kabul are in contact with local authorities to gather additional information and are providing consular assistance."

FATD Canada, 21 Mar 14

 

[Infantryman2b]

Rough news after just having the last conventional troops rotate home. RIP to the fallen. 

 

[jasonjason]

That is horrible news for sure and was uncertainly unexpected Sometimes it is easy to forget about how cowardly those who commit these acts of terror truly are. My thoughts go out to the family and friends of those who have fallen because of the cowardice of just a select few.

 

[AirDet]

If they come thru Trenton, I have already volunteered to be part of the bearer party. While they weren't military they were over there trying to make life better for the locals, much like we were. It's only fair they are treated with honour for their contribution and sacrifice.

Let's face it, we all knew that our mission would pave the way for people like this to carry on the peaceful side of restoring the Afghan people to freedom. They in essence carried on our mission.