Two female judges of the Supreme Court of Afghanistan were assassinated in Kabul by unknown gunmen, becoming the latest victims of the deadly spree of targeted killings in the war-torn country. 

The incident happened on Sunday morning, TOLOnews quoted Kabul police confirming the incident. Two other people, including the driver of the judges, were wounded in the attack. 

No group has taken responsibility for the attack so far. Over the past few months daily targeted assassinations have become regular occurrences. The Sunday attack came just a week after two female Afghan security personnel were killed in a similar target assassination in northern Balkh province. 

Condemning the attack, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said the Taliban must show their "will for peace by accepting a ceasefire." 

“Attacks by the Taliban and other terrorist organizations against the teachings of Islam and the spirit of peace,” Ghani was quoted as saying by Taliban. 

Significantly, Qatar, which is playing the role of neutral host for the Intra-Afghan Dialogue, issued a statement condemning the attack. The Qatari foreign ministry reiterated its firm position “on rejecting violence and terrorism, whatever motives or reasons.” 

Condemnation from Qatar holds significance as the Taliban has its political office in Doha and many of its senior leaders have been living there for more than seven years now. In 2011, it was Qatar that had played a key role in secret talks between the Taliban and Americans. 

“Afghanistan is losing one of its most important gains, its educated and professional cadre, in what seems to be a systematic massacre,” tweeted Shaharzad Akabar, the head of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. “The word seems to be just watching. This must stop.” 

As the Afghan Peace Process drags on amid the continued increased violence, the frustration is growing among Afghans for the process. With no significant results, except an agreement on rules and procedure for talks, the initial optimism and hope generated by the Intra-Afghan talks have already dashed. Fear and a sense of insecurity have crept into people’s minds.