UNSC condemns terrorist attacks in Yemen

UNITED NATIONS - The UN Security Council on Wednesday "condemned in the strongest terms" the recent "heinous acts" of terrorism that occurred in Yemen's southern province of Abyan.

"The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attacks that occurred in Abyan causing numerous deaths and injuries," said a press statement, read out by British UN Ambassdar Mark Lyall Grant, whose country holds this month's Security Council presidency.

The 15-nation council expressed "deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the victims of these heinous acts" and to the Yemeni government.

"The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed," said the statement.

In the press statement, the Security Council reiterated "their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the charter of the United Nations."

"The members of the Security Council reminded states that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law," said the press statement.

Earlier this week, dozens of al-Qaida militants attacked an army outpost in the neighboring southern province of Abyan, killing more than 180 soldiers and looting the base along with its heavy weaponry, tanks and armored vehicles, according to senior army officials.

Suicide car bombings and violent attacks against the army have increased over the past two weeks. A deadly suicide bombing targeting the presidential palace in the southern province of Hadramout killed nearly 30 soldiers of the elite Republican Guard forces.

The al-Qaida wing claimed responsibility for the attack in the following day.

The al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) underscore the challenges facing the Yemeni government, which is tasked with restoring security and stability to Yemen and putting an end to the growing influence of al-Qaida that threatens the daily oil shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.