US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has condemned a militant attack on a maternity ward in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Two babies and 12 mothers and nurses were killed when several gunmen stormed the hospital on Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, in the eastern province of Nangarhar, a bombing at a funeral killed at least 26 people.
Mr Pompeo said: “Any attack on innocents is unforgiveable, but to attack infants and women in labour… is an act of sheer evil.”
He added: “During the holy month of Ramadan and amidst the threat of Covid-19, these dual attacks are particularly appalling.”
In the wake of the attacks, President Ashraf Ghani said he was ordering the resumption of offensive operations against the Taliban and other groups.
The Kabul attack began at about 05:30 am GMT yesterday, and locals described hearing two blasts then gunfire. One doctor who fled during the assault said about 140 people were in the hospital when the gunmen attacked.
Afghan special forces rescued 100 women and children, including three foreigners. The attackers, who reportedly had gained access dressed as police officers, were all killed by security personnel after a battle lasting hours.
