More than 2,000 Afghans in a gathering held in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province termed suicide bombing as against Islamic law and denounced it, said a statement of NATO-led International Security Assistance Force ( ISAF) released on Saturday.

Over 2,000 Afghan citizens, led by tribal elders and local officials, gathered at Khost Stadium on Thursday to demonstrate their opposition to suicide attacks.

Addressed by Khost governor Arsala Jamal, tribal chieftains and religious leaders, the speakers condemned suicide bombings and announced their support to government.

The rally is taking place amid increase in suicide attacks and Taliban's vow to intensify activities in this spring.

Suicide attacks and bombings have claimed the lives of over two dozen people mostly civilians and injured more than 60 others over the past one week.

"The citizens of Khost province support the legitimate, democratically elected Government of Afghanistan. They know that the only way to reconstruction and economic development is through peacefully rebuilding their country," the statement said.

Taliban-led insurgency and violence has left over 400 people, mostly insurgents, according to officials this year in Afghanistan.

Source: Xinhua