The US condemned Friday a terrorist attack in Beirut that killed a high-ranking Lebanese security official and seven others, DPA reported.
The White House's National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor called the incident a "heinous attack." He expressed US support for the Lebanese people and said the country's security was vital to regional stability.
"There is no justification for using assassination as a political tool," Vietor said. "The United States will stand by the government of Lebanon and the people of Lebanon as they work to bring those responsible for this barbaric attack to justice and build a future where all Lebanese can live in security and dignity."