United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today condemned the continued flow of weapons and fighters into conflict zones around the world, warning that such external support contributes to prolonging wars and worsening the suffering of civilians.

In a statement before the Security Council, Guterres emphasized that “the delivery of weapons to conflict areas only leads to more violence and destruction, severely hindering the prospects for political and peaceful solutions.” He added: “The time has come to end all forms of external support that fuel conflicts, whether military or logistical.”