8 UN Staffers Killed in Afghanistan During Protest Against Florida Pastor

Afghans protesting Florida pastor Terry Jones and his burning of the Quran last month killed at least 8 United Nations staffers in Afghanistan on Friday. Media reports say two of the dead had been beheaded. Afghan police and U.N. officials have confirmed the staffers were attacked at the U.N. Assistance Mission in Mazar e Sharif. An unknown number of security guards were also killed.

"We... find this a very tragic and criminal action. The United States government and the United Nations itself, must take immediate action. We must hold these countries and people accountable for what they have done as well as for any excuses they may use to promote their terrorist activities," Jones said in a statement Friday.

President Barack Obama also condemned the killings. “The brave men and women of the United Nations, including the Afghan staff, undertake their work in support of the Afghan people. Their work is essential to building a stronger Afghanistan for the benefit of all its citizens. We stress the importance of calm and urge all parties to reject violence and resolve differences through dialogue,” he said in a statement.

The governor of Balkh province told Reuters insurgents may have used the protest as a cover for the killings.

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