Ban Ki-moon condemns ‘terrorist attacks’ at Yemen mosques

UNITED NATIONS – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned Friday, March 20 the “terrorist attacks” on Yemeni mosques that killed at least 142 worshippers.

Friday’s suicide bombings, claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group, were among the deadliest attacks yet in Yemen.

In a statement from his spokesman Farhan Haq, Ban called on all sides to end hostilities and exercise restraint.

“All sides must abide by their stated commitments to resolve differences by peaceful means, and should engage in good faith in the ongoing UN-facilitated negotiations in order to reach a consensus agreement,” the statement read.

The suicide bombers targeted two mosques attended by Huthis, who have seized the capital Sanaa.

A health official told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that at least 142 people were killed and at least 351 wounded.

Ban “deplores the killing of civilians and extends his condolences to the families of the victims,” the UN statement added. (READ: Yemen ‘collapsing before our eyes’ – Ban Ki-moon)

On Thursday, March 19 air raids targeted the presidential palace in Yemen’s southern city of Aden and intense fighting broke out at the airport.

The UN Security Council issued a declaration against the violence.

“Members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the airstrikes against the presidential palace in Aden and attacks at Aden International airport,” the declaration read.

Additionally, the council underlined that President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi is Yemen’s “legitimate authority.” – Rappler.com