NEW YORK - The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan until 17 March 2018.

The Mission’s renewed mandate supports Afghanistan’s full assumption of leadership and ownership in the areas of security, governance and development, while UNAMA continues to lead and coordinate international civilian efforts in full cooperation with the Government of Afghanistan.

The Council expressed serious concern over the potential growth of Islamic State in Afghanistan, the record number of civilian casualties and the presence of anti-personnel mines and other explosive remnants of war.

The Council also condemned, in the strongest terms, all attacks targeting civilians, Afghan and international forces, diplomatic and consular officials, as well as other representatives of the international community in Afghanistan.

Read Security Council Resolution 2344 (2017).