The United Nations Security Council has censured as “heinous and cowardly” the terrorist attack that targeted a police station in southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchistan.

Council Members expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the Government and families of the 27 victims and wished a “speedy and full recovery” to the 13 injured.

The attack in Rask County in Sistan and Baluchistan Province was claimed by the Pakistan-based so-called Jaish ul-Adl terror group. It was one of the deadliest in years for the region sitting close to Iran's border with Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Similar attacks have occurred previously, including on July 23 when four policemen were killed while on patrol.

That came two weeks after two policemen and four assailants were killed in a shootout in the province, claimed by Jaish ul-Adl.

“Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security”, reaffirmed the Council, underlining the need to hold “perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice.”

In this regard, they urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, “to cooperate actively” with the Iranian Government in the aftermath of the attack, and all relevant authorities.

“Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed”, reiterated the Security Council members, reminding all States to combat “by all means”, in accordance with the UN Charter and other international law obligations – including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law – threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.