UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres unequivocally condemns the deadly terrorist attack on a mosque in Homs, Syria during Friday prayers, his spokesperson said in a statement

Humanitarian needs in Syria remain immense despite a year of reduced violence and political change, with millions still displaced, basic services strained and funding shortfalls threatening aid operations, senior UN officials said on Thursday.

At least eight people were killed and 18 injured in theexplosionat theAli Bin Abi Talib mosque a place of worship of theminorityAlawite community in theWadial-Dahabneighbourhood.

Syria has been on the path to political transition since the overthrow of the Assad regime lastDecember 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 beidentifiedand brought to justice, thestatementsaid.

He also takes note that the Syrian authoritieshave condemned the attack and reaffirmed the States commitment to combatterrorism and holdperpetrators accountable.

The UN chiefextendedcondolences to the families of those killed andwished the injureda prompt and fullrecovery, the statement concluded.