United Nations, May 13 (IANS) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the attack on a hospital in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, which killed and wounded dozens of people.

"He reiterates that attacks against civilians are unacceptable and that hospitals, medical facilities and personnel have special protection under international humanitarian law. Those who carry out such crimes must be held accountable," according to a statement issued by Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres.

It added that the secretary-general is also following with concern the escalation of violence in the country, including the attacks that have claimed scores of lives in Balkh, Khost, and Nangarhar provinces, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The United Nations stands in solidarity with the people and government of Afghanistan and remains committed to supporting an Afghan-led peace process that will end the conflict," it said.

--IANS sdr/