UNSC condemns Jakarta attack, concerned over threat posed by IS

UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council has strongly condemned the barbaric terrorist attack in Jakarta and expressed concern over the increasing threat posed by terrorist organisations like Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.

Expressing their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Indonesia, the members of the Security Council paid tribute to the courage of the Indonesian security forces in responding to this attack.

Multiple blasts and gunfire wreaked havoc in the Indonesian capital yesterday in what officials said were coordinated Islamic State-linked terror attacks, leaving two civilians and five assailants dead.

In light of the recent spate of terrorist attacks around the world including Cameroon, Turkey, Pakistan and other regions, the 15-membered body expressed serious concern with the continued threat posed to international peace and security by ISIS and Al-Qaeda among others.

In a statement, the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice.

The UNSC members stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.