Washington, Aug 6 (TIWN) The US State Department has "unequivocally" condemned the targeted attack on Afghan Defence Minister Bismillah Mohammadi, which was later claimed by the Taliban.

Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Department spokesman Ned Price said: “Although the Minister wasn’t present, reports do indicate that eight people were killed in the attack and many more were injured.  “The Taliban have claimed responsibility for this shameful act. The Taliban must stop this ongoing violence. They must stop it.” Price reiterated that it was past time to end this decades-long cycle of violence.