United Nations, Nov 6 (IANS): The UN Security Council (UNSC) has strongly condemned the terrorist attack at the Kabul University, which claimed the lives of 22 people, mostly students, and injured 40 others.

In a statement on Thursday, UNSC members condemned "in the strongest terms the atrocious and cowardly terrorist attack" that took place at the university on Monday, reports Xinhua news agency.

The attack was claimed by the Islamic State terror group.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the government of Afghanistan, and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

They expressed their grave concern over the continuing violence in Afghanistan, which continues to take the lives of innocent civilians. The Council members stressed that any attack deliberately targeting education facilities as such is "unacceptable".

They also stressed that these attacks target and endanger the hope for and prospects of a brighter future for the country.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

They reaffirmed the need for all states to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the UN and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

Of the 22 victims, 18 were students from the law and public administration departments.

This was the second attack on an education institution in the Afghan capital in nearly two weeks.

A week ago, a suicide bombing near a tutoring centre killed over 30 people, most of them students.