Messages of Condolence for Afghanistan

Shocked to hear the terrible news of the deaths of 10 HALO aid workers earlier today in Afghanistan. Their work clearing mines has spared thousands of lives and livelihoods worldwide, especially in the world's toughest conflict zones. Humanitarians are not—and should never be—a target. This is a tragic testament to the dangers aid workers face and the urgent imperative to protect them, especially in an age where international humanitarian law is also under attack. David Miliband, President & CEO of IRC

I strongly condemn the horrific attack on The HALO Trust deminers in Baghlan. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and colleagues. The emerging ethnic dimension of such crimes is shocking. A professional investigation is needed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation

We are deeply shocked and dismayed by the heinous and cowardly attack against The HALO Trust deminers in Baghlan province. This was an attack not only against innocent civilians, but also against brave people who work for all Afghans, reducing the danger mines pose to citizens in many parts of the country. We strongly believe in their work: Germany is a major supporter of humanitarian demining globally and of The HALO Trust in Afghanistan. Our hearts are with the injured and the grieving families of the deceased. German Embassy in Afghanistan

We strongly condemn the heinous attack on The HALO Trust NGO that took place in Baghlan-e-Markazi district in Northern Afghanistan and that attack killed 10 people and injured 16 others. The HALO trust has a strong global partnership with the United Nations and operations to clear landmines and other explosives and to better the lives of vulnerable people. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a full and speedy recovery to the injured. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

On behalf of colleagues across the Oxfam confederation, I wanted to convey our deepest condolences to you and all at The HALO Trust. The scale and nature of the attack on your colleagues is truly horrendous, and I cannot even imagine the devastating impact this will have on the families and colleagues of those who were killed or injured. The attack comes at a time when humanitarians across the world seem to be under greater threat. I hope you and colleagues take some solace in the fact that your work is so important and timely. Dr. Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah, Chief Executive, Oxfam GB

My colleagues in HMD’s demining team and I were deeply shocked to learn of the horrific and tragic events in Baghlan yesterday. Our thoughts are with you, your team and the families of those killed and injured. Matthew Wyatt, FCDO

Please pray for these wonderful humanitarians who were killed freeing the land in Afghanistan of the scourge of landmines. Cindy McCain

My thoughts go out to everyone at The HALO Trust, an organisation that I’ve witnessed the incredible work of first hand. This is abhorrent - they are apolitical, they do not take sides but they carry out courageous work for the benefit of humanity. JJ Chalmers

Mine clearance is vital for the survival and rebirth of war-torn societies. The killing of humanitarian mine clearance staff is a heinous crime. We are mourning with our colleagues in the vitally important HALO Trust. Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council

On behalf of REVIVE Campaign our thoughts are with all those HALO Trust workers, working to remove deadly landmines in Afghanistan who have been mercilessly shot and left to die. Professor Roger Mullin

We stand in solidarity with people and organisations trying to make the world a safer place for us all in dangerous environments. Our heartfelt condolences to the families and everyone at The HALO Trust humanitarian mine clearance organisation for this senseless loss of life. Greenpeace

MAG is devastated to learn of this horrific incident. Our thoughts are with the victims' friends and families and our friends and colleagues at The HALO Trust. Humanitarian aid workers are not a target; they will be remembered as heroes. Mines Advisory Group (MAG)

Such awful news. The HALO Trust does fantastic work in clearing unexploded mines and bombs around the world—including in Laos. It is terrible they have been targeted like this. John Pearson, UK Ambassador to Laos

We appreciate the lasting services of The HALO Trust in Afghanistan. Feel so sad about horrific incident at Baghlan taking lives of innocent deminers and HALO staff. We condemn targeting Hazaras and believe in the unity of ethnicities. Criminals don’t represent Afghans, we stay strong against them. Ziaulhaq Amarkhil, Governor of Nangarhar

I am appalled by the attack and killing of deminers from The HALO Trust in northern Afghanistan, who dedicated their lives to saving others. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Humanitarians are not a target. Amina J Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General

Save the Children stands by The HALO Trust at this tragic time. An attack on aid workers is an attack on all of us and the children and communities we work with. Our sincere condolences to HALO, families, friends and colleagues. Humanitarian workers are not a target. Save the Children International

I’m horrified by the attack on HALO aid workers, people working for a safer Afghan society. As a partner of The HALO Trust, the Netherlands stands in solidarity with HALO in this time of mourning. My sincere condolences go out to all HALO workers and the victims’ families. Peter Mollema, Netherlands MFA

HALO is not abandoning Afghanistan. 'Under the bludgeoning of chance my head is bloody, but unbowed.' David Loyn

I condemn in the strongest possible terms the murders of 10 HALO Trust deminers, men who put their lives on the line daily for the people of Afghanistan. My deepest condolences to the families and friends of these brave men whose lives were taken in the service of their country. António Vitorino, Director General of IOM

Humanitarians, and the children, families and communities they serve, have the right to live and work in peace. Yesterday morning this right was violated with the loss of our colleagues in The HALO Trust. We are dismayed and saddened for the victims, their families, and the terror inflicted on the survivors.  We send condolences and pray for our brothers and sisters from The HALO Trust and the families of the deceased at this utterly tragic time. World Vision

Such an attack on a humanitarian mine action team working to build safe communities is reprehensible. We honour the work of The HALO Trust and its team members, in seeking to achieve a mine-free Afghanistan and condemn this attack, and any attack on civilians and humanitarian workers as a violation of international humanitarian law. Steve Goose, ICBL-CMC Governance Board Chair

The UN in Afghanistan condemns the deeply shocking attack on HALO, humanitarians dedicated to protect all people from the serious threat posed by mines. Our thoughts are with the families who are grieving and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured. All those parties claiming to desire peace for the Afghan people need to demonstrate concrete action to support their claims and put an end to the terrible crimes such as witnessed in Baghlan. United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan

All who died were members of communities, they were family members and they were serving for a cause. What a sensible messaging, more strength to The HALO Trust. Thank you for your services. Thank you for not giving up on Afghanistan. Samira Hamidi, Amnesty International South Asia

Deepest condolences to The HALO Trust family, and especially to the bereaved families. A callous and brutal attack on those trying to make their country safer. Jessica Hand, UK Ambassador to Angola

We are shocked by the brutality of this act. This is heart breaking news, may they rest in peace. Our condolences to the families and everyone at HALO, humanitarian mine clearance organisation. Violence must stop and peace talks move forward to substantial negotiations. Marjolijn van Deelen, EU Special Envoy for Non-proliferation and Disarmament

Mine clearers are the bravest of the brave and they risk their lives to make Afghanistan a safe place for all people. We condemn this attack in the strongest terms. Ross L. Wilson, United States Ambassador to Afghanistan

I strongly condemn the brutal killing of 10 and injuring of 16 HALO Trust demining experts. Our thoughts are with the families. Mines are inhumane and demining means peace-building and development for Afghanistan. Ambassador von Brandt, EU in Afghanistan

We stand with you now, publicly and vocally. Demining has had widespread support: across Afghanistan and across parties to conflict. And rightly so. It benefits all - removing as it does the risk to life and livelihoods of a terrible, indiscriminate and outlawed weapon. Demining is life-saving humanitarian work and yesterday’s attack is an attack on us all. Whatever its motivation, it is unjustifiable: we decry those that carried it out, and we will continue to underline that violence against humanitarian workers is unacceptable. My thoughts are with HALO at this very difficult time. Charlotte Slente, Secretary-General, Danish Refugee Council

On behalf of everyone working for APOPO, we would like to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to The HALO Trust, especially your teams in Afghanistan. Our thoughts are with the victims' friends and families and the whole organization. APOPO stands in solidarity with The HALO Trust, and we wish you the strength and support needed to deal with this tragic, sad loss and the resulting aftermath. We also commend your decision to continue the humanitarian mission of your work. Christophe Cox , CEO APOPO

Humanitarians, helping others. Life is not fair. My sympathies are with the families of those lost, and with all the The HALO Trust colleagues. Keep up the brave work. Lucy Blythe

My sincere condolences and entire support to The HALO Trust colleagues whose work is so indispensable in Afghanistan and everywhere else you are engaged. We stand next to you. Protect aid workers they are not a target. Jean-Francois Riffaud, DG - CEO Action Contre la Faim

Our deepest condolences to The HALO Trust family and all Afghanistan citizens that have to endure time again, these acts of violence. Our thoughts are with the families of those deceased and injured. It is a sad day for the mine action community Anti-personnel Mine Ban Convention

We condemn the shocking June 8 attack on The HALO Trust aid workers in Baghlan province, Afghanistan, in which 10 humanitarians were killed and 16 others injured. Our colleagues at The HALO Trust have suffered a grievous loss, and our thoughts are with the families, friends and co-workers of the victims. Sanna Johnson, Acting VP, IRC – International Rescue Committee

Shocked to hear of the attack last night on The HALO Trust deminers in Afghanistan. Condolences to the families and colleagues of those who were killed and injured. The HALO Trust deminers have done life-saving work in Zimbabwe as well. Melanie Robinson, UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe

We strongly condemn Tuesday's heinous attack in Afghanistan against The HALO Trust, a NGO that works to clear landmines and improve the lives of vulnerable people. Humanitarian workers are not a target. UN OCHA

I read with great sadness the news this morning of the attack on the HALO camp last night that killed 10 and injured 16 HALO staff in Baghlan. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with those that passed away and with the HALO family. Valon Kumnova, Chief, Mine Action Programmes, GICHD

NPA is shocked, outraged and devastated by the horrific attack on The HALO Trust staff in Afghanistan. Our condolences to all families, friends and colleagues affected. This is a sad day for all of us. Humanitarian workers are not a target. Never. Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) Mine Action and Disarmament

Terrible & heartbreaking news. Their live-saving work is vital and it’s devastating when these horrendous actions happen. My heart goes out to all those who've lost their lives or are injured, their families and friends. Chris Law, MP for Dundee West

Horrified to read this news. I have seen for myself on the ground in Afghanistan the painstaking, brave, lifesaving work done by The HALO Trust. My deepest condolences to all those affected by this horrific attack on these selfless humanitarian workers. Douglas Alexander, Former MP

As President of the Mine Ban Treaty, I am deeply shocked to learn about the horrific attack on a demining team. The Netherlands stands in solidarity with our partner The HALO Trust and my sincere condolences go out to all HALO workers, the victims and the people of Afghanistan. Rob Gabrielse

Heartfelt condolences to The HALO Trust and to the families and colleagues of their murdered staff. Another tragic reminder of Afghanistan’s accelerating slide into irreversible insecurity. The hand wringing and recriminations likely to follow won’t help save lives. Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees

We are saddened to learn of the fatal attack against deminers who risk their lives so that local populations can live theirs free from fear and dangers that remnants of war impose on entire communities. UN Peacekeepers and UNMAS stand in solidarity with The HALO Trust. UN Peacekeeping

We would like to express our deepest condolences to our partner organisation The HALO Trust in the face of this heart-breaking news. Our thoughts are with the injured staff and the families of those killed in this heinous attack. EU in Ukraine

Such devastating news from The HALO Trust. This is truly horrific. My thoughts are with those affected and I send my condolences to the families of those whose lives were lost. Theo Clarke, MP for Stafford

Australia strongly condemns the appalling attack on The HALO Trust mine clearance workers in Afghanistan, working to alleviate the suffering caused by mines—humanitarian workers are not a target. Amanda Gorely, Australia's Ambassador for Arms Control

I strongly condemn the heinous attack on The HALO Trust NGO in Baghlan Province in northern Afghanistan which killed at least 10 people and injured 16 others. It is repugnant that an organization that works to clear landmines and other explosives and better the lives of vulnerable people could be targeted. I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes for a speedy and full recovery to the injured. Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, United Nations DSRSG, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator

This is horrific and heartbreaking news. Save the Children’s thoughts are with the friends and family and all of our colleagues at The HALO Trust. Humanitarian aid workers are not a target. Janti Soeripto, President & CEO of Save the Children USA

We at Legacy of War are shocked by this latest senseless attack on those working to clear landmines in Afghanistan. Our thoughts are with the victims' families and our colleagues at The HALO Trust. Giles Duley, photographer, CEO of Legacy of War

We wake with heavy hearts this morning to the news from Afghanistan. CISR sends our deepest condolences to The HALO Trust, and to the families and friends of the victims. We stand in solidarity with The HALO Trust and all NGOs working in Afghanistan. The Center for International Stabilization and Recovery at JMU

I would like to express my shock and sadness after this attack. The HALO Trust workers are innocent local people who contribute to clears landmines and make society safer. My sincere condolences to my fellow friends at The HALO Trust and the victims’ families. Hadia Essazada, Afghanistan Youth Network Executive Director

Our sincere condolences to The HALO Trust and the victims’ families. It’s devastating to hear that humanitarian workers, who dedicated their lives to saving others, have been killed - with many injured. Islamic Relief strongly condemns all violence. Aid workers are not a target. Islamic Relief

I was desperately sorry to hear about the killing and injury of The HALO Trust staff in Afghanistan. HALO’s staff are brave people doing incredible work clearing landmines in difficult and dangerous places. Wayne David, MP for Caerphilly

Devastating news from Afghanistan, following news of an attack on The HALO Trust in Baghlan that took the lives of 10 local employees. The work of HALO and so many others in the NGO space is vital and must always be protected. Charles Lister, Director at Middle East Institute

Sending our love and thoughts to all involved and to the whole HALO Trust family at this incredibly challenging and sad time. Relationships Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway

ARMAC is deeply saddened and shocked by the violent attack that took place on 8 June 2021 on HALO Trust staff in Afghanistan. ARMAC would like to convey our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those lost, and wish for a speedy recovery to those injured. ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center

Upon learning about the tragic recent attacks on our HALO staff in Afghanistan. I wish to extend my condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims, on behalf of the Cambodian mine action community. We condemn the attack in the strongest terms. We hope peace will prevail in Afghanistan. HE Ly Thuch, Cambodia Senior Minister and CMAA First Vice President

Belgium expresses its deep sorrow for death of 10 staff members and injury of others following the horrible attack against HALO Trust deminers in Afghanistan. Belgium pays tribute to humanitarian workers and to The HALO Trust, which it has supported in different projects over the years. Axel Kenes, Director General for Multilateral Affairs and Globalisation

Another cruel attack takes the lives of people who did so much to save the lives of others. The HALO Trust has been working in Afghanistan for decades. Lyse Doucet, BBC journalist

This was a cowardly attack on workers carrying out essential demining operations to clear land contaminated by mines and other unexploded devices, so that local communities can live in a safe environment, with improved quality of life and opportunities. Ireland offers sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and a swift recovery to all those who have been injured. We also extend our sympathies to the staff of The HALO Trust, a long-standing and valued partner of Irish Aid. Colm Brophy, Irish Minister for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora

My heartfelt condolences to The HALO Trust, CEO James Cowan and to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the attack in Afghanistan. In solidarity with our longstanding partner, UNDP Afghanistan is deeply saddened and condemns this senseless tragedy. Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme

This is horrific. Targeting civilians is a war crime. I am heartbroken and shattered by this senseless violence. Mine clearance workers save lives and are ultimate examples of service and courage. Condolences to The HALO Trust at this time of unimaginable grief. We stand with you. Shaharzad Akbar, Chairperson Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission

Awful news. The HALO Trust is one of the finest humanitarian organisations Britain has produced. They stay for decades when many INGO's leave with the TV crews - as they did in Afghanistan, Somaliland and many other places. Thinking of everyone connected with this amazing organisation. Rageh Omaar, ITV News International Affairs Editor

We are shocked and saddened to hear of the attacks on HALO Trust staff in which 10 were killed and 16 injured in Afghanistan by an unidentified armed group. We condemn such an appalling and cowardly act on a group of humanitarian workers doing all they can to save lives. Our thoughts go out to their families, colleagues and friends and we wish those injured a full recovery. Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation

My deepest sympathies to all involved. The HALO Trust does amazing lifesaving work in the most difficult places on Earth. It’s horrendous that they have been targeted in such a way. Rest in Peace. Sarah Champion MP, Chair of the International Development Select Committee

I am shocked and saddened to hear about this horrific attack. We send our deepest condolences to you and your team—and all those affected by this tragedy. We are honoured to support the courageous and life-saving work you do in Angola. Bernard Looney, Chief Executive Officer, BP

Keko London sending their love and support to The HALO Trust today after the terrible atrocities to an incredible group of individuals working to improve the lives of others in their country. Ben Whattam, COO, Keko Group

Danish Refugee Council strongly condemns the attack on The HALO Trust deminers in Baghlan. Collectively we've been present in Afghanistan for decades with our sole objective being to save lives through humanitarian work. Our condolences to all those affected by this cruel attack. Danish Refugee Council

Our hearts go out to all affected by this senseless attack, in particular families and friends of those killed and injured. This is terrible and sad news and a very sad day for HALO, Afghanistan; and for all humanitarian workers faced with this risk daily. Allow me to present my sincere condolences on behalf of all employees, colleagues and friends in DCA to the whole HALO family. We stand by you and your colleagues. Birgitte Qvist-Sørensen, Danish Church Aid

It is with deep shock and sorrow that we received the news of the heinous attack on a demining team in the Northeastern province of Baghlan in Afghanistan. This terrible incident proves again the high risks deminers are taking upon themselves every day, while serving to ensure the safety and security of populations affected by landmines. Our thoughts are with relatives and friends of the victims, as well as to the organization The HALO Trust, and I extend my sincere condolences. Wolfgang Bindseil, Mine Action Support Group

So sorry to hear about the deaths in Afghanistan, very sad news. Charles Fowle, formerly with HALO

I was sorry to hear your news this morning. I hope your team members across the whole organisation are able to support each other after this tragic event and continue the Halo Trust's critical work. Dominic Nicholls, Defence and Security Editor, The Telegraph

This is a terrible, terrible incident and we are thinking about the entire HALO organization at his difficult time. Know that our support is unwavering, and we are committed to your work and all that HALO stands for. John Hilton, Wild Bird Trust, National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project

The reprehensible killing of 10 HALO Trust deminers in Afghanistan this week has been roundly rightly condemned. Human Rights Watch adds its voice to calls for perpetrators to be brought to justice. Sincere condolences to the victims and their families. Mary Wareham, Human Rights Watch

Truly terrible news and all of you are in our thoughts. Giles Clayton-Jones, Head of Marketing, INEOS Automotive

We are deeply saddened to hear about this heartbreaking attack on HALO staff in Afghanistan. The work of HALO is dangerous enough on its own, without the added threat of attacks on its humanitarian efforts. Our thoughts are with you, the HALO community, and the families and loved ones of those involved. Anonymous

As someone who spent the 1990s working in Afghanistan, I have always admired the selfless work of your staff, not least because every day what they did made my work that little bit safer and, each day and with each small step, made the lives of ordinary Afghans much safer. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed and injured in this senseless attack as well as with all HALO staff around the world who will be grieving the loss of colleagues for some time to come. Jonathan Barden MBE, David Nott Foundation

With great sadness I saw on the BBC this morning that ten of your people had been killed in Afghanistan. My condolences on your loss, and that of all of your colleagues who I am sure are feeling the loss of these brave and noble souls. With best wishes and thank you for all that you and your extraordinary team do to make the world safer for ordinary people. Paul O'Neill, Senior Research Fellow, Royal United Services Institute

We are sorry for the losses this week and the interruption of your phenomenally great and important work. Chris and Catherine

Please allow me to express on behalf of the entire team at TDI, our very sincere condolences in respect of the terrible tragedy that unfolded in Baghlan and the loss of so many Mine Action colleagues. Your team remains very much in our thoughts and our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones Stephen Saffin, CEO of The Development Initiative

I have heard the very sad news from my team in Afghanistan and wanted to extend both our deepest sympathies to the Halo team but also to the bereaved families concerned. So devastating; and really so sorry to hear this horrific news. Alice Laugher, CEO, Committed to Good

It's a tragedy that shook the mine-action sector writ large and, despite the complexities of Afghanistan, we would find inconceivable when thinking about the cause of saving lives that demining proudly carries. Please pass our sincere condolences to the families of the HALO colleagues who died, our thoughts are with all of them. Our best wishes go to those injured. Mr. Amir Omeragic, Director, Peace and Security Cluster, UNOPS

It was with horror and great sadness that I learnt about the targeted attack at The HALO Trust compound in Baghlan last night. I hope for speedy recovery for those injured and please do accept the heartfelt condolences from the ICRC to the families of those killed. Erik Tollefsen, ICRC

It is with great sadness and horror that we’ve just learnt of the attack and death of your team members in Afghanistan. This attack on humanitarian personnel is unacceptable and reminds us of the risks to which our demining teams can be exposed. Our condolences and sympathy are with you and the families of the victims. Manuel Patrouillard, Global Managing Director, Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion

We were devastated to hear the news. MAF is grieving with you. We will be praying for you as you lead and for the families of the men who were killed and injured. There are no adequate words. Brad Bell, CEO, Mission Aviation Fellowship of Canada

I'm extremely sorry and saddened to learn of the terrible events in Afghanistan. Please accept my deepest condolences and those of the whole Mine Action Review team, to colleagues and friends at HALO and to the families of those killed and injured. Lucy Pinches, Project Manager, Mine Action Review

We wanted to share our heartfelt condolences on behalf of the UK Soft Power Group. Your people in the field are absolutely on the frontline of our soft power and we absolutely recognise the important role that these brave individuals play in upholding global peace and security. On behalf of the Group we send you, the injured and the families of those who died, our sincere condolences. UK Soft Power Group

I was horrified to hear about the terrible loss HALO has suffered in Afghanistan. My thoughts are with you and your colleagues, and of course the families of those lost. Sara Pantuliano, CEO, ODI

It was with great sadness that I read about the awful atrocity that occurred in Afghanistan that resulted in the killing of many of your deminers. On behalf of myself and NCDR I extend to you and everyone at The HALO Trust and to the families of the fallen our deepest heartfelt condolences. I know that with God's grace, and your grit and determination you will recover and overcome all challenges. Stay strong and keep the faith. May God rest their souls. H.R.H Prince Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein

I was deeply shocked and saddened to receive the news about the heinous attack on The HALO Trust’s humanitarian deminers in the northern province of Baghlan, Afghanistan, on 8 June. This horrific incident is yet another reminder of the risks that humanitarian deminers take on a daily basis while trying to protect other people from the woes of landmines and other explosive ordnance. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, to those injured and to everyone at The HALO Trust. Ville Skinnari, Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Finland

I am writing to offer condolences on behalf of the entire Neptune Energy organisation for the extraordinary losses that The HALO Trust recently suffered in the Baghlan Province of Afghanistan. We offer our heartfelt sympathies to all those affected and their families, and to you and the rest of the HALO family as you step through the process of managing the incident and its aftermath. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. James L House, CEO, Neptune Energy

We have been greatly saddened to hear of the killings of HALO staff in Baghlan. We join with you in mourning their loss and in wishing comfort for all those members of their families who have suffered such sudden and tragic bereavement. OSMTH highly commends you and your colleagues for your courage and steadfast commitment to continuing your mine, IED and war debris clearance efforts in Afghanistan for all local inhabitants, whatever their ethnicity or religious affiliation. Simon Le Fevre, OSMTH

It is with great sadness that I write to you to express on behalf of the iMMAP community our sincere condolences for the loss of your colleagues in Afghanistan. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues at The HALO Trust during this difficult time. We wish a speedy cover for those injured. iMMAP strongly condemns this attack and mourns the innocent lives lost in this tragedy. William Barron, CEO, iMMAP

Your entire team and the families who have lost their beloved and brave members are all in my thoughts after hearing the news of the grim, grim, enraging and senseless murder of your colleagues. We should renew our determination to make sure that your colleagues’ death will be a source of inspiration, not only grief and sadness. Nicola Reindorp, CEO, Crisis Action

I am writing to offer condolences on behalf of the entire Neptune Energy organisation for the extraordinary losses that The HALO Trust recently suffered in the Baghlan Province of Afghanistan. We offer our heartfelt sympathies to all those affected and their families, and to you and the rest of the HALO family as you step through the process of managing the incident and its aftermath. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. James L House, CEO, Neptune Energy

What awful news. My sincere condolences to the families of the staff involved. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for the HALO Afghanistan programme and of course the wider HALO family. You are all in my thoughts. Camilla Thurlow, HALO Ambassador

We are shocked by this cruel attack on HALO Trust deminers and we would like to express—also in the name of our entire Board—our deepest sympathy with the families of the victims and all HALO Trust members in Afghanistan. Our thoughts go out to everyone in this dark moment. Rolf Stocker, President, World Without Mines Foundation

"My heartfelt sympathies to all concerned. I feel particularly sad because HALO is trying to save lives from whatever background or faith." Quentin Goggs

We are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the terrible attack your team suffered in Afghanistan. I totally lost my words facing this cruel treatment towards dedicated HALO deminers as well as HALO’s humanitarian work. Please accept our deepest condolences. It is always our honour to be a partner of The HALO Trust. Please convey our sincere and deep condolences to the families of the deceased. Yukie OSA, President AAR Japan

I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your men in Baghaln-e-Markazi. I know you and the management team at HALO will take a pragmatic and professional approach to keeping operations on track and I admire you for it. With my sympathies to you all. Alex Blyth