UN Security Council criticises 2 suicide bombings in Niger

UN Security Council on Friday strongly condemned the two suicide bombings which took place in northern Niger, calling them "terrorist attacks." "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks that occurred in Agadez and Arlit, Niger, on May 23, for which MUJWA has claimed responsibility, and which have caused numerous deaths and injuries," the 15-nation body said a statement. The Council members expressed their deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the victims of these heinous acts. At least 25 people were killed and 30 others injured in the twin suicide bombings Thursday, which targeted a military base in Agadez, the main town in northern Niger, and a factory run by French nuclear giant Areva in the West African country. A jihadist group claimed the bombings on Friday and threatened to continue more attacks unless the Nigerien troops withdraw from the military intervention in neighboring Mali. The Security Council underlined the need to bring the perpetrators of these acts to justice, urging all states to cooperate actively with the Nigerien authorities in this regard. "The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and all obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts," said the statement.