KABUL - The United States on Tuesday strongly condemned the attack near the Presidential Palace, extending condolences to all Afghans affected by “these senseless acts”.

While commending the security forces which defeated the assailants, US Ambassador James B. Cunningham said all of the attackers were killed, without success in achieving their goals.

“This again demonstrates the futility of the Taliban’s efforts to use violence and terror to achieve their aims,” the ambassador said in a statement from the US embassy.

Cunningham renewed the US call for the Taliban to come to the table to talk to the Afghanistan government about peace and reconciliation.

“We remain steadfast in supporting the Afghan government and people against the scourge of terrorism and the violence directed against them,” he added.

“As President Obama has said, our partnership with Afghanistan will continue, as will our shared goal to disrupt, dismantle and defeat Al Qaida and ensure that Afghanistan can never again become a safe haven for terrorists.” (Pajhwok)