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UN chief slams deadly terrorist attacks in Beirut suburb

Xinhua, November 14, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday condemned a terrorist attack in the Beirut suburb of Burj al-Barajneh, which reportedly left at least 43 people killed and more than 240 wounded, calling for "those responsible for this terrorist act to be swiftly brought to justice."

The secretary-general "is deeply saddened at the reported high numbers of fatalities and injured, and extends 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. "He wishes a speedy recovery to those injured."

"The secretary-general calls for those responsible for this terrorist act to be swiftly brought to justice," the statement said.

The two explosions rocked late Thursday afternoon the Burj el-Barajneh area in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Security sources said four suicide bombers were present in the Burj el-Barajneh region, but 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 Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against Islamic fundamentalists who have threatened to target Hezbollah in his 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.

"He trusts they will not allow this despicable act to destroy the relative calm that has prevailed in the country over the past year."

The secretary-general reiterates the need for all parties to continue to work to preserve Lebanon's stability and security, as called for by the UN Security Council, the statement added. Endi