ICRC Appeals for Release of Two Staff Members

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) appealed for the safe and unconditional release of two staff members abducted when their convey was ambushed on eight February in Jawzjan province, resulted in killing of six ICRC staff members. A press release from ICRC sent to Killid stated that, “We call on the abductors’ sense of humanity and request the immediate, safe and unconditional release of our colleagues and to avoid taking any action that could endanger their lives,” said the Head of the ICRC Delegation in Afghanistan, Monica Zanarelli. “We do not want the agony and heartache of this tragedy to deepen.”  The statement also added that we appeal to all authorities and armed groups operating in the area to do their upmost to secure the safe release of the two ICRC staff members. The ICRC has been active in Afghanistan for the past three decades, assisting impartially victims of the conflict with medical care, food assistance, family contacts and the dignified handling of the human remains. Following killing of six staff member, ICRC has suspended all its activities in Afghanistan.