UNITED NATIONS, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Security Council on Thursday condemned a "heinous and cowardly terrorist attack" on a Sikh temple in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Wednesday.
The members of the council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Afghan government, and wished a speedy and full recovery for those who were injured, said the council in a press statement.
The council members reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and stressed the need for all states to combat by all means the threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.
They underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of the terrorist activities accountable and bring them to justice, and urged all states to cooperate actively with the Afghan government and all other relevant authorities in this regard.
The attack occurred Wednesday morning when at least four insurgents equipped with suicide vests, hand grenades and assault rifles burst into the temple and began firing at the worshipers. The Afghan Interior Ministry said 25 civilians were killed and eight others wounded. Hours after the attack, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility.
