UN chief slams deadly suicide bombings in Beirut suburb

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the twin suicide bombings in the Beirut suburb of Burj al-Barajneh, calling for "those responsible for this terrorist act to be swiftly brought to justice."

The secretary-general was deeply saddened at the reported high numbers of fatalities and injured, and extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and government of Lebanon, said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman on Thursday.

Two explosions rocked late Thursday afternoon the Burj el-Barajneh area in the southern suburbs of Beirut, killing at least 43 people and wounding more than 240 others.

Security sources said four suicide bombers were present in the Burj el-Barajneh region. After the first two bombers exploded themselves, the third one managed to escape for unknown reasons. The fourth bomber was killed by locals who saw him reveal his explosives belt.

The southern suburbs of Beirut are considered the stronghold of Hezbollah, the Shiite militant party which is fighting in Syria alongside the forces of President Bashar al-Assad against Islamic fundamentalists who have threatened to target Hezbollah in its heartland.

"The secretary-general reiterates the support of the United Nations for Lebanon's institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces and security services, in their efforts to safeguard the security of Lebanon and its people," the statement said.

It added the UN chief reiterated the need for all parties to continue to work to preserve Lebanon's stability and security, as called for by the UN Security Council. Enditem