File photo: CGTN

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The head of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, Miguel Angel Moratinos, on Saturday strongly condemned a terrorist attack on a mosque in Burkina Faso that killed at least 15 worshipers.

The attack took place in the village of Salmossi in the northern province of Oudalan in the West African country on Friday evening, but was not reported until Saturday.

Moratinos stressed that all forms of violence and acts of terror targeting religious sites and worshipers, regardless of their faiths and beliefs, are unjustifiable, said Nihal Saad, his spokesperson, in a statement.

Moratinos recalled the UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites, which was recently developed by his organization, and called on all governments and relevant stakeholders to support the implementation of the plan so as to guarantee the sanctity of worship places and the safety of worshipers, said the statement.

Moratinos reiterated that houses of worship, where worshipers observe their rituals in a spirit of compassion and peace, should not be sites for bloodshed and terror.

He extended his condolences to the victims' families and the government and people of Burkina Faso, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack, said the statement.

Local reports said the deadly attack took place during prayers on Friday evening when unidentified gunmen opened fire inside the mosque. Fifteen people were killed and two others were wounded.