Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attacks near Kabul Airport

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President T.S. Tirumurti (India):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the deplorable attacks near the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on 26 August 2021.  The attacks, which were claimed by Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), an entity affiliated with Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh), resulted in the death and injuries of dozens of civilians, including children, and military personnel.

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

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms all instances of terrorism and deliberate attacks against civilians.  They recalled that all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including those related to the protection of civilians.

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.  Deliberately targeting civilians and personnel assisting in the evacuation of civilians is especially abhorrent and must be condemned.

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.  They urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all 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.

The members of the Security Council reiterated the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan to ensure the territory of Afghanistan should not be used to threaten or attack any country, and that no Afghan group or individual should support terrorists operating on the territory of any country.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their support to the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).  They emphasized the importance of the safety and security of United Nations personnel, as well as of diplomatic and consular personnel of United Nations Member States and called on all relevant parties to respect and facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians.