Obama, Ban condemn Iranian mosque attack

CHABAHAR, Iran, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. President Obama and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned Wednesday's suicide attack on a mosque in Iran in which at least 41 people died.

"The murder of innocent civilians in their place of worship during Ashura is a despicable offense, and those who carried it out must be held accountable," Obama said in a statement. "This is a disgraceful and cowardly act.

He said the suicide bombing in Chabahar and other acts of terrorism don't recognize religious, political or national boundaries.

"The United States condemns all acts of terrorism wherever they occur," he said.

Ban expressed shock and dismay at the "abhorrent terrorist act" directed at worshipers commemorating the holy day of Ashura.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also condemned the terror attack, for which Jundallah claimed responsibility.

"This is yet another example of terrorists using cowardly methods to inflict pain and fear on innocent civilians," Clinton said.

She said the global community must be vigilant "in combating terrorist organizations and individuals that threaten lives in every part of the world."