Kabul Airport Terrorists Attack: The Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security

New York (ABC Live India): The UN Security Council on Friday underlined the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan following the deadly attack at the airport in the capital, Kabul. 

The Islamic State in Khorosan Province (ISKP) has claimed responsibility for the deadly explosions which occurred on Thursday evening, local time, amid ongoing evacuations from the country in the wake of the Taliban takeover.

More than 160 people, including 13 United States troops, were killed, according to media reports.

The Security Council issued a statement condemning the attack in the strongest terms.

“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,” it said.  “Deliberately targeting civilians and personnel assisting in the evacuation of civilians is especially abhorrent and must be condemned.”

Ambassadors expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and wished a speedy and full recovery to the injured.

In condemning the attack, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) underlined the Organization's commitment to stay and deliver, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told journalists in New York.

"The UN has been working for the people of Afghanistan for decades and the Mission stressed that we will remain and do everything for the people of Afghanistan who have suffered so much," he said.

The Deputy UN Special Representative  and Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan, Ramiz Alakbarov, saluted medical NGOs who are responding to civilians wounded in the attack, including children.

He also reiterated the UN's commitment to the people of Afghanistan, and called for their immediate protection.

The Representative of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Afghanistan, Hervé Ludovic De Lys, also joined UN officials condemning the attack.

“We call on all parties to ensure women and children are protected, at all times,” he said in a statement issued on Friday.  

UNICEF is deeply concerned about children’s safety, and the rise in grave violations against them in recent weeks, he added.

“With increased conflict and insecurity, children in Afghanistan have already paid a devastating price. More than 550 children were killed and over 1,400 injured since the start of 2021.”

The terrorist attack “was a horrendous move by ISIL Khorasan”, said Rupert Colville, Spokesperson for the UN human rights office, OHCHR, speaking in Geneva on Friday during the bi-weekly briefing by UN agencies.