UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Paolo Serra, condemns in the strongest terms yesterday’s car bomb in the southern Beirut suburb of Haret Hreik which led to tragic loss of lives and many injuries.

Major-General Paolo Serra said: "I deplore this despicable and cowardly act of violence that targeted civilian lives. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go to the relatives of the victims and we wish speedy recovery to those injured.”

“At this tragic moment, I and the entire UNIFIL family stand by the government and the people of Lebanon in our common quest for peace and security. I hope that the Lebanese authorities will be successful in identifying and bringing to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crime.”