KABUL: The Afghan Taliban have condemned an attack on a school in Peshawar that left 141 dead and said killing innocent children is against Islam.

The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan said the attack was meant to avenge a major military offensive in the tribal region.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has always condemned the killing of children and innocent people at every juncture,” the Afghan Taliban said in a statement released late on Tuesday.

“The intentional killing of innocent people, women and children goes against the principles of Islam and every Islamic government and movement must adhere to this fundamental essence.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the official name of the Afghan Taliban) expresses its condolences over the incident and mourns with the families of killed children.”

The Pakistani Taliban are loosely affiliated to the Afghan Taliban, with both pledging allegiance to Mullah Omar.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2014