Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is shocked by the attack against humanitarian workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Jawzan province, Afghanistan, on Wednesday 8 February. The attack resulted in the death of six ICRC staff and left two staff unaccounted for.

MSF staff around the world send their deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those killed. We also hope for the quick return of the missing staff.

"There is no possible justification for such a brutal assault on humanitarian workers," said Joanne Liu, MSF International President. "We condemn this attack and all attacks on humanitarian aid in the strongest possible terms."

A great number of Afghans still rely on humanitarian assistance for the basics they need to survive, and the attack will only add to the difficulties humanitarian organisations encounter in reaching those in desperate need.

"We find ourselves in a state of shock and disbelief at this assault on the very essence of humanitarian action," added Liu. "We stand in solidarity and in mourning with our colleagues and friends at the ICRC."