US condemns Taliban attack in Kabul

Washington, Jan 19: The

condemned the Taliban's attack on a restaurant in

which left 21 people, including

, killed and many injured, White House said Saturday.

"There is no possible justification for this attack, which has killed innocent civilians, including Americans, working every day to help the Afghan people achieve a better future," Xinhua quoted the White House in a statement.

The deceased included 13 foreigners in Friday's terrorist attack, Afghan police chief General Mohammad Zahir Zahir said Saturday.

Four UN staff members, including Wabel Abdallah, the International Monetary Fund Resident Representative, were among those killed in the bloody incident, according to UN mission office in Kabul.

While sending condolences to all the victims of the attack and their families, and praying for a speedy recovery for those injured, the US called on the Taliban to put down their arms and begin peace talks, which is the "surest way to end the conflict in a peaceful manner", the statement said.

IANS