UNSC adopts resolution to thwart terrorists' access to weapons

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at preventing terrorists from acquiring weapons, particularly small arms and light weapons.

The Council on Wednesday "strongly condemned" the continued flow of weapons, military equipment, unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) and their components, and improvised explosive device (IED) components to and between the Islamic State, Al-Qaida, their affiliates, and associated groups, illegal armed groups and criminals, Xinhua reported.

The 15-member body said the "destabilizing accumulation and misuse" of weapons "continue to pose threats to international peace and security and cause significant loss of life".

UN member states were encouraged to prevent and disrupt procurement networks for weapons, systems and components between and among such groups and entities.

Member states were specifically urged to ensure the ability to take appropriate legal actions against those who are knowingly engaged in providing terrorists with weapons and to ensure proper physical security and management for stockpiles of small arms and light weapons.

These states were also urged to strengthen their judicial, law enforcement and border-control capacities, and develop their capabilities to investigate arms-trafficking networks in order to address the link between transnational organized crime and terrorism.

--IANS

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