UN Secretary-General Responds to Events in Afghanistan

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the world to engage in joint efforts to "halt the global terrorist threat in Afghanistan" after the Taliban seized control of the war-torn nation.

"The international community must unite to ensure that Afghanistan is never again used as a platform or sanctuary for terrorist organizations," Guterres stated during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council regarding Afghanistan.

"I urge the Security Council and the international community to come together, work collectively, and act in unison," he added.

He called on countries to "use all available tools to suppress the global terrorist threat in Afghanistan and to ensure the protection of fundamental human rights." Guterres emphasized that Afghans "deserve our full support."

"The coming days will be decisive," he noted. "The world is watching. We cannot and must not abandon the people of Afghanistan." He also highlighted the critical importance of protecting the hard-won rights of Afghan women and girls.

Guterres further urged the Taliban to "respect and uphold international humanitarian law and the rights and freedoms of all people."