Friday, 7 August 2020

Security Council condemns ‘heinous and cowardly’ terrorist attack in Jalalabad, Afghanistan

  

Security Council condemns ‘heinous and cowardly’ terrorist attack in Jalalabad, Afghanistan

UNAMA/Shafiqullah Waak
A view of the centre of Jalalabad, a city in eastern Afghanistan. (file)
    
6 August 2020

Members of the UN Security Council have condemned “in the strongest terms” the terrorist attack at a prison complex in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on Monday, that left at least 29 people – including civilians – dead.

Many more were wounded in the attack, the responsibility for which was claimed by the ISIL terrorist group.

“Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security”, said the Security Council members in a statement on Wednesday.

“Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed”, they added.

According to local reports, during the evening of 3 August, attackers detonated car bombs outside the prison complex in Jalalabad, which is located about 150 kilometers east of the Afghan capital, Kabul, followed by hours-long clashes with security forces.

The attack came in the midst of a ceasefire announced by the Government and the Taliban for the Eid al-Adha festival.

Hold perpetrators accountable

In the statement, Council members also underscored the need to bring those perpetrating the attack, as well as its organizers, financiers and sponsors, to justice. They called on all UN Member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Afghan Government and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

The members also expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.
 

 

♦ Receive daily updates directly in your inbox - Subscribe here to a topic.
♦ Download the UN News app for your iOS or Android devices.

NEWS TRACKER: PAST STORIES ON THIS ISSUE

Protect ordinary Afghans ahead of peace talks, urges UN Mission chief

Ahead of hoped-for peace talks between Afghan Government and Taliban negotiators, UN peacekeepers in Afghanistan have urged parties to “redouble” their efforts to keep civilians safe.

Coronavirus casts ‘huge shadow’ over Afghan life as multi-dimensional crisis continues

The COVID-19 pandemic is not just a health emergency, but a multi-dimensional crisis for Afghanistan, dealing its people a painful blow just as Kabul and the Taliban prepare for peace talks in Qatar, the top UN official in the country says.

No comments:

Post a Comment