Syria: Ban strongly condemns deadly bomb attacks in Homs

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemns in the strongest terms today’s bomb attacks in Homs, which reportedly killed dozens of schoolchildren, as “an act of the utmost depravity.”

Initial media reports indicate that at least 39 people were killed, of whom 30 are schoolchildren between the ages of six and nine.

“The Secretary-General reiterates his call on all warring sides in this brutal and bloody conflict to stop the indiscriminate use of any weapons immediately,” his spokesperson said in a statement which extended condolences to the bereaved families.

Mr. Ban appealed appeals to all Syrian, regional and international actors “to redouble their efforts to bring this horrific conflict to an end and help reach a long-overdue political solution,” according to the statement.

According to media reports, the two blasts occurred as children were leaving the Ekremah al-Makhzoumi primary school in Homs.

The attack is being called one of the deadliest in the area in months.