KABUL - The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) commander on Saturday condemned the killing of civilians, particularly children, in a spate of bombings in different parts of Afghanistan last week.

Eight children were killed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Uruzgan, Paktika and Helmand provinces. Twenty-two security officials were killed in two separate attacks in Tirinkot and Spin Boldak on Friday.

"These senseless acts of violence and the continued, indiscriminate use of improvised explosive devices tears at the very heart of Afghanistan's future-- its people, particularly its children," said Gen. Joseph F. Dunford.

"As a father, I offer my sincere condolences to the families who have suffered losses this week," the top NATO and American general in Afghanistan said in a statement. (Pajhwok)