KABUL - Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Wednesday condemns the murder of seven civilians, including a child and two women, by anti-Government elements in southern Zabul province of Afghanistan.

A statement released by the organization on Wednesday states the senseless murder may amount to war crimes.

“These senseless murders may amount to war crimes and the perpetrators must be held accountable.” said Nicholas Haysom the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA.

UNAMA recalls that the murder of civilians, as well as the taking of civilian hostages, are serious violations of international humanitarian law that all parties to the armed conflict – including all anti-Government elements – are required to uphold.

The seven civilians were kidnapped from Gilan District of southeastern Ghazni province and their dead bodies were recovered from Khak-e-Afghan District of southern Zabul province on Sunday.

Thousands of civilians from all tribes, including Pashtoon, Tajik, Hazara and Uzbek have staged a protest in Kabul and demand government to arrest perpetrators of Sunday’s incident and punish them for their evil act.

This is not the first time, civilians are kidnapped and beheaded by anti-government armed groups.

Several incidents of this type have taken place in previous months and years. (KP)