UN chief slams deadly terrorist attack near shrine in Damascus suburb

Women inspect a damaged site after a suicide and car bomb attack in south Damascus Shi'ite suburb of Sayeda Zeinab, Syria June 11, 2016.[Photo/Agencies]

UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday condemned an "appalling" deadly terrorist attack near a shrine in a Damascus suburb in Syria, reportedly killing several civilians, including women and children.

"The secretary-general condemns today's attack carried out near the Sayidda Zeinab shrine in a Damascus suburb," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman.

"Reports from local monitor groups said that several civilians, including women and children, were killed and many others wounded in this appalling terror attack claimed by ISIL," referring to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

At least 12 people were killed in the double bomb attack, reports said, adding that ISIL claimed responsibility for the attacks via an online post.

"Those responsible for attacks on civilians must be held accountable," the statement said.

"The secretary-general extends his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the government of Syria and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured," the statement added.