UN condemns deadly weekend raids by insurgents in Afghanistan

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the Security Council and the United Nations mission in Afghanistan today strongly condemned the coordinated attacks carried out on Sunday against the country’s institutions and international organizations, including foreign diplomatic missions, in the capital, Kabul, and elsewhere.

“It is ordinary Afghans who ultimately bear the brunt of such attacks,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson. “The Secretary-General calls on the parties to the conflict to take all possible measures for the protection of civilians.”

Mr. Ban took note of the efforts by the Afghan National Security Forces in responding to raids that were launched by insurgents.

The Council, in a statement issued to the press late Monday, also commended Afghan forces for their effective action, and underlined the need to bring the perpetrators of these “reprehensible” acts of terrorism to justice.

“The members of the Security Council reiterated their serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and illegal armed groups to the local population, national security forces, international military and international assistance efforts in Afghanistan,” the statement added.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement that those responsible for the attacks in densely populated urban centres showed “a callous disregard towards civilian casualties.”

The mission also acknowledged “the efficient work of the Afghan National Security Forces in their response to the attacks and regrets all casualties suffered.”

It called on all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan to make civilian protection their top priority and take all steps necessary to prevent civilian casualties.

Press reports quoted Afghan authorities as saying that some 36 assailants, 11 members of the security forces and four civilians were killed in the attacks in Kabul and the provinces of Nangarhar, Logar and Paktia in the east. One of the assailants was captured, according to the reports.