Secretary-General deplores latest deadly attack in Lebanon

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned today’s bombing in Lebanon that reportedly killed an officer of the country’s internal security forces and left five others dead, saying those responsible for this and previous attacks must be brought to justice.

“This latest act of terror should not be allowed to undermine the security, stability and sovereignty of Lebanon,” Mr. Ban said in a statement issued by his spokesperson on the bombing, which reportedly injured 20 people.

The Secretary-General reiterated his call on the people of Lebanon to “continue exercising restraint and for those behind this and previous attacks to be brought to justice.”

Mr. Ban also extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Lebanese Government.

Media reports say the bomb exploded near a major highway in eastern Beirut, the Lebanese capital, as the convoy of the internal security forces officer passed by.

Today’s attack is the latest in a series of bombings and assassinations in the country in recent years. On 15 January, an explosion in Beirut killed three people and wounded at least 20 others.