Yemen: UN condemns terrorist attack on Sana'a mosque

24 September 2015 - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned today's terrorist attack at the al-Bolayli mosque in Yemen's capital Sana'a, which happened during prayers for the Eid al-Adha holiday.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson in New York, Mr. Ban expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and to the people of Yemen.

"Such attacks against places of worship, or civilians anywhere, cannot be justified by any cause," the statement noted.

The Secretary-General also called for a full investigation of the bombing and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, members of the Security Council also condemned in the strongest terms the "horrific" terrorist attacks, reaffirming that terrorism in all its forms constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

The 15-member body also reiterated its determination to combat all forms of terrorism, and reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law.

Fighting between the Government and rebel Houthi forces in the country has raged for more than a year, claiming the lives of more than 2,000 civilians.

According to the United Nations, more than 400 children were killed, and more than 600 injured between 26 March - which saw an escalation in the conflict with the launch of air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition - and August.