UNSC condemns Kohat terrorist attack, calls for perpetrators to be held accountable

On Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) issued a strong condemnation of a terrorist attack that occurred at a mosque in Kohat, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, on September 18. The attack, described as a "heinous and cowardly suicide bombing terrorist attack," resulted in the deaths of at least 23 individuals, including 15 police officers. Eight terrorists were killed during a subsequent search and clearance operation.

The UNSC's President, Jérôme Bonnafont (France), expressed the council's deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, the government, and the people of Pakistan. The council also wished for a speedy and full recovery for those who were injured. They reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations poses one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

The UNSC emphasized the importance of holding "perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable" and urged all states to cooperate with the Pakistani government in bringing the perpetrators to justice. They reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, and called for all states to take all necessary measures to combat terrorist threats in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law.