Turkey 'strongly condemns' lethal ISIL attack in Lebanon

Turkey has "strongly condemned" a twin bombing by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) that claimed the lives of 43 people in South Beirut, while pledging to continue its support for the people and the state of Lebanon for maintaining peace, stability and security in the volatile country. "We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks in Beirut that led to many casualties and injuries," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a written statement released late on Nov. 12.

"We believe that the Lebanese people and all their segments will behave with common sense and act in full solidarity as nation, always paying regard to the unity and integrity of the country, throughout this sensitive period that the region is passing through," the ministry said.

The attack in Beirut was the largest attack ever claimed by ISIL in Lebanon, and among the deadliest bombings to hit the country since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war.

The Red Cross stated that in addition to the 43 people killed, at least 239 people were also wounded, with several in a critical condition. The blasts hit a busy shopping street in the Burj al-Barajneh neighborhood, where the Shiite Hezbollah movement is popular.

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