UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's UN envoy on Tuesday called for assisting Afghanistan in strengthening its security capacity building as the security situation in the country remains weak.

Speaking to the Security Council, Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, cited air strikes and search operations that resulted in a large increase of civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

"The terrorist organizations are still active. Drugs are still a major source of income for terrorist organizations," he warned.

He voiced hope that the UN peacekeeping mission will continue to help Afghanistan strengthen security capacity building. "The international community should provide training, funding and technical support for this, and assist Afghanistan in effectively countering the threat of terrorism, cross-border crime and smuggling of drugs."

Before Zhang spoke, Tadamichi Yamamoto, special representative of the secretary general for Afghanistan, noted violence has intensified in recent days in multiple parts of Afghanistan.

"Recent attacks by insurgents in Kunduz, Baghlan and Farah, and above all multiple attacks in Kabul are of serious concern," he said, urging parties to the conflict to reduce violence and civilian casualties to demonstrate their seriousness for peace.

He noted the rising number of civilians killed during search operations and air strikes is also of concern, calling for the parties to review the way they conduct their operations to protect civilians and to minimize harm caused.