Ban Condemns Bir Hassan Blasts: Such Acts of Violence Target All Sides in Lebanon

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned on Tuesday the terrorist bombing near the Iranian embassy in Beirut's Bir Hassan neighborhood.

He called on “all in Lebanon to recognize that such appalling and indiscriminate acts of violence target all in Lebanon.”

He extended his condolences to the families of those killed, as well as to the government of Lebanon and to the government of Iran. He extended his sympathies to those injured.

In addition, he urged all Lebanese parties to act with restraint and to support the institutions of the state, and particularly the security forces, as they seek to prevent further acts of terrorism.

He hoped that those responsible for this attack will be brought to justice expeditiously, reiterating the determination of the international community to support Lebanon’s security and stability.

At least 23 people were killed and 150 wounded in the blasts in the Hizbullah stronghold of Bir Hassan in Beirut's southern suburbs.