UN Security Council condemns Kohat mosque bombing

The UN Security Council on Wednesday condemned “last week’s terrorist attack” in Kohat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling for the perpetrators and their sponsors to be held accountable.

At least 23 people were killed in the September 18 two-pronged assault, including 17 policemen and six civilians. After detonating an explosives-laden vehicle near a mosque in the old Police Lines during Friday prayers, terrorists stormed the compound and attacked police facilities. KP police said eight terrorists were killed in retaliatory action by police and security forces.

The Council statement, issued by Council President Jérôme Bonnafont — France holds the presidency — strongly condemned the “heinous and cowardly” suicide bombing at the mosque. Members conveyed sympathy and condolences and wished swift recovery to the injured. They stressed that terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.”

The statement underscored the need to hold “perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors” accountable and urged all states to cooperate with Pakistan. The attack was claimed by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led Ittehadul Mujahideen.

Per police sources cited by ARY News, 34 injured are receiving treatment, with four in critical condition shifted to Peshawar.

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