13 November 2015•Update: 13 November 2015
ANKARA
The death toll from two blasts that hit the Lebanese capital Beirut have risen to 43 on Friday as condemnations began to pour in from around the world.
The Lebanese military said two suicide bombers were behind the attack that happened Thursday, adding that a third bomber was found dead at the site of the second explosion.
According to the statement, the first blast happened on Ain al-Sikka road in the Burg al-Bragna district, followed by a second blast nearby.
The attack also left 239 people injured, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
Daesh issued an online statement claiming responsibility for the attack, which it said targeted the Shia Hezbollah group.
Hezbollah has been fighting alongside the Assad regime in Syria.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry strongly denounced the attack in a Thursday statement, saying that Turkey will continue to support Lebanon’s stability and security.
Meanwhile, the U.S. also condemned the “terrorist” attack.
“Such acts of terror only reinforce our commitment to support the institutions of the Lebanese state,” Ned Price, the U.S. National Security Council spokesperson, said.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed his sadness over the high number of casualties. He extended his condolences to the victims’ families, the Lebanese people and their government.
“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,” according to the statement.
Jordan, Egypt and Hamas also condemned the attack.
