The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday strongly condemned the September 18 attack on a mosque at the Police Lines in Kohat, describing it as a “heinous and cowardly suicide bombing terrorist attack”.
At least 23 people, including 15 police personnel, were killed in the attack, which took place during Friday prayers. Eight militants were subsequently killed during a search and clearance operation.
Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), led by Afghanistan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur, later claimed responsibility for the attack, which involved multiple assailants.
In a statement issued by Security Council President Jérôme Bonnafont of France, council members expressed their “deepest sympathy and condolences” to the victims’ families as well as the government and people of Pakistan. They also wished those injured a “speedy and full recovery”.
The Security Council reaffirmed that “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security”.
Members stressed that the “perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism” should be held accountable and brought to justice.
The council also called on countries to cooperate actively with Pakistan in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Reiterating its broader position on terrorism, the council said that “any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed”.
It further called on states to combat threats posed by terrorism in accordance with the UN Charter and their obligations under international law, including international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.