UNSC slates terrorist attack in W. Afghanistan in strongest terms

UNITED NATIONS: The U.N. Security Council has condemned a terrorist attack in western Afghanistan ``in the strongest terms'' and called for the perpetrators, organizers and financiers to be brought to justice.

The attack in Farah province Wednesday began when two suicide bombers detonated an explosives-laden vehicle near a courthouse. Local officials said they believed the attackers were trying to free 15 Taliban prisoners who were about to stand trial.

The governor said 36 civilians, 10 Afghan security forces and nine attackers were killed. The council on Thursday reiterated its ``serious concern at the threats posed by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and illegal armed groups to the local population, national security forces, international military and international assistance efforts in Afghanistan.''

Council members reaffirmed that terrorism in all forms and manifestations ``is criminal and unjustifiable.''