The UN Security Council has condemned in the strongest terms a series of heinous and cowardly attacks aimed at security checkpoints in northern Afghanistan, saying perpetrators and sponsors of these terror acts should be brought to justice.<br />'' <br />''The terror attacks Monday night killed at least 27 and wounded dozens of others. The assaults were carried out by Taliban extremists in the provinces of Sar-e-Pul and Balkh, striking security forces in three areas.<br />'' <br />''In a statement, UNSC expressed its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Afghanistan and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The attacks on New Year's Eve came a day after the announcement by Afghan electoral authorities of a new date for planned presidential elections, which had been scheduled to take place on April 20. Elections will now be held in July this year.</span><br />