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US 'strongly' condemns Baghdad terrorist attack

Last updated on: October 26, 2009 13:58 IST
Smoke rises near the Iraqi ministry of justice, shortly after a blast, in Baghdad on Saturday

The United States on Monday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Baghdad, which killed more than 100 people, saying that it showed the 'hateful and destructive' agenda of the attackers.

Text: PTI

Photograph: Stringer / Reuters

US 'strongly' condemns Baghdad terrorist attack

Last updated on: October 26, 2009 13:58 IST
People gather around while rescuers search for casualties inside the damaged ministry of justice building in Baghdad

US President Barack Obama said the bombings at the Iraqi ministry of justice and the headquarters of the Baghdad provincial administration 'serve no purpose other than the murder of innocent men, women and children, and they only reveal the hateful and destructive agenda of those who would deny the Iraqi people the future that they deserve.'

Photographer: Mohammed Ameen / Reuters

US 'strongly' condemns Baghdad terrorist attack

Last updated on: October 26, 2009 13:58 IST
US President Barack Obama listens to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki during their meeting in White House

Obama also spoke with his Iraqi counterpart, Talabani and the Prime Minister of Iraq, al-Maliki, to express condolences about the attack and reiterated the US' commitment to stand with the Iraqis.

"These attempts to derail Iraq's progress are no match for the courage and resilience of the Iraqi people, and their determination to build strong institutions," he said.

Photographer: Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

US 'strongly' condemns Baghdad terrorist attack

Last updated on: October 26, 2009 13:58 IST
Site of the car bomb attack targeting the building of the ministry of justice in Baghdad
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also condemned the bombings saying, "These despicable terrorist attacks seek to undermine the impressive progress that Iraq has made towards stability and self-reliance."

Noting that the terrorists would not succeed in their efforts, the top US official said, "They will not deter Iraqis from administering justice based on the rule of law and carrying out their legitimate responsibilities in governing Baghdad."

Photograph: Mohammed Ameen / Reuters

US 'strongly' condemns Baghdad terrorist attack

Last updated on: October 26, 2009 13:58 IST
Security officials take a dead body after the blasts in Baghdad

"Those responsible for such horrific acts must be pursued and brought to justice in accordance with Iraqi law," she said.

"We will continue to support the people and government of Iraq in fighting terrorism. We mourn the senseless loss of life and extend our condolences to the victims' families, friends, and community," Clinton said.

Photograph: Saad Shalash / Reuters