At least eight people were killed and 18 injured in the explosion at the Ali Bin Abi Talib mosque – a place of worship of the minority Alawite community – in the Wadi al-Dahab neighbourhood.

Syria has been on the path to political transition since the overthrow of the Assad regime last December but continues to face sectarian and other violence.

A group called Saraya Ansar al-Sunna has claimed responsibility, according to media reports.

Call for justice

“The Secretary-General reiterates that attacks against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable. He stresses that those responsible must be identified and brought to justice,” the statement said.

He also “takes note that the Syrian authorities have condemned the attack and reaffirmed the State’s commitment to combat terrorism and hold perpetrators accountable.”

The UN chief extended condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a prompt and full recovery, the statement concluded.