NEW YORK - The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the continuing high number of attacks in Afghanistan in recent weeks, and, most lately, in Qalat, Zabul Province on 19 September, which resulted in at least 20 people killed and more than 95 injured, for which the Taliban have claimed responsibility.

Stressing that further violence must be stopped, the members of the Security Council also expressed their strong condemnation for the heinous and cowardly terrorist attacks in Kabul and against an election campaign rally in Charikar, Parwan Province, on 17 September, which resulted in at least 38 civilians killed and more than 80 civilians injured. The Taliban have also claimed responsibility for these dastard attacks.

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

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. 

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Government of Afghanistan and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.  They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.