PM Modi 'strongly' condemns Taliban attack on Afghan army; death toll jumps to 140

Afghan security personnel keep watch near the site of an ongoing attack on an army compound in Dihdadi District of Balkh province on April 21, 2017.

Kabul: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday strongly condemned a Taliban attack on the Afghan Army that killed at least 140 soldiers. The rise in the death toll to 140 was reported by newagency Reuters on Saturday noon. "Strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Mazar-e-Sharif. Our prayers and condolences to the families who lost loved ones," said Modi onTwitter.

PM @narendramodi condemns #Taliban attack on Afghan army https://t.co/leWbi9RvUK

— ABP News (@abpnewstv) April 22, 2017

The dastardly attack left several injured as well when Taliban militants attacked an Afghan army base in Balkh province. Most of the deceased in the Friday attack at 209 Shaheen Corps base, one of the largest military bases in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif, were army personnel, Tolo News quoted army officials as saying. The Taliban group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The militants disguised themselves in army uniforms and stormed into the compound during Friday prayers. They entered the base in a military vehicle and fired indiscriminately at the worshippers. The attack also led to killing of 10 militants in retaliation by the army. A spokesman for the base said 10 militants were killed in the attack. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has reaffirmed its support to the Afghan forces and condemned the attack. "I strongly condemn today's (Friday) barbaric attack in Balkh Province," NATO Senior Civilian Representative Ambassador Zimmermann said. "NATO stands with our Afghan friends and partners as they continue their fight against terrorism," he said. This is the second major attack on an Afghan military installation in 2017. The Taliban in March attacked Sardar Mohammad Daoud military hospital here killing at least 50 persons.