UNSC Condemns Terrorist Attack in Afghan City Herat

In a statement, the UN body underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these "reprehensible acts of terrorism" to justice, and urged all states "to cooperate actively with the Afghan authorities in this regard."

It also expressed deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous act, and to the people and government of Afghanistan, Xinhua reported.

At least five people were killed and 23 others injured early Friday morning as two car bombs and ensuing firing hit the US consulate in Herat city, the provincial capital of western Afghan province of Heart.

"The members of the Security Council condemned acts of violence against diplomatic and consular representatives, which endanger or take innocent lives and seriously impede the normal work of such representatives and officials," said the statement.

The council members "reiterated their serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and illegal armed groups to the local population, national security forces, diplomatic facilities, international military and international assistance efforts in Afghanistan," the statement said.

The 15-nation body stressed its determination to combat terrorism, reaffirming the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the UN Charter and all obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, according to the statement.