KABUL, Afghanistan -- This morning Ahmad Khan Samangani, a member of Afghan parliament; Mohammad Khan, the provincial director of the National Directorate of Security; Lt. Gen. Said Ahmad Samse, and a number of other people were killed by a suicide attacker who blew himself up at the entrance to a wedding hall in northern Samangan province.

The International Security Assistance Force strongly condemns this senseless and cowardly act of insurgent terror that resulted in the murder of innocent civilians. These despicable acts continue to disrupt peace and demonstrate an utter lack of respect for Afghan lives.

“Once again the Taliban have murdered Afghans in cold blood with complete disregard for innocent life or to the sanctity of a wedding. Their depravity clearly knows no bounds. The disgust of the Afghan people for these criminals only continues to grow. ISAF continues to stand with the noble people of Afghanistan and we offer our assistance in solving this crime. I offer my sincerest condolences and prayers to the family and friends who are suffering from the loss of their loved ones," said Gen. John R. Allen, commander, International Security Assistance Force.

ISAF remains committed to stopping acts of terror together with Afghan National Security Forces in order to build a secure environment that promotes lasting peace and a secure way of life for the Afghan people.