Guterres condemns Taliban attack on UN in Afghanistan, says it is banned under international law
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the Taliban attack on the UN compound in Herat, Afghanistan, in which an Afghan security guard was killed. According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Afghan security forces in Herat on Friday attacked the United Nations main compound in the city with rocket-propelled grenades and bullets.
The mission said that, “so-called ‘anti-government elements’ targeted the entrances to the clearly marked UN facility with rocket-propelled grenades and bullets when Taliban fighters broke into the city of Herat and attacked Afghans near the provincial headquarters of UNAMA. clashed with the security forces.” Responding to the attack, the UN chief expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured a speedy recovery, Guterres’ deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said in a statement late Friday.
The Secretary-General said that attacks against UN personnel and premises are prohibited under international law and may be war crimes. They reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the government and people of Afghanistan in their efforts to achieve peace and stability.
Condemning the attack, UN Special Representative for Afghanistan Deborah Lyon said, “This attack against the United Nations is condemnable and we condemn it in the strongest words. should be held responsible.” The UN presence in Afghanistan as a civilian entity is focused on supporting peace efforts, promoting the rights of all Afghans, and providing humanitarian and development assistance.
