Taliban on Tuesday condemned a deadly explosion near the historic Red Fort in Delhi, calling the incident tragic and extending condolences to the Indian government and the families of those killed and wounded.
In a statement issued by the Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said they “express deep sorrow to the bereaved families, as well as to the government and people of India,” and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
The statement said the Taliban “condemn the explosion” that took place in one of India’s most heavily visited and symbolically significant areas.
The rare message of sympathy comes as the Taliban continue efforts to position themselves as legitimate international actors more than four years after returning to power in Afghanistan. However, the Taliban has their own history of deadly bombings, including attacks that killed thousands of civilians across Afghanistan during their insurgency.
The blast in New Delhi occurred just before 7 p.m. on Monday when a Hyundai i20 sedan exploded near a traffic signal close to the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and frequent backdrop for India’s national celebrations. Authorities said at least 13 people were killed and 20 others injured.
