WASHINGTON, October 25 (RIA Novosti) - U.S. President Barack Obama has condemned Sunday's terrorist attacks on the Iraqi capital that killed over 130 people.
At least 136 people were killed and more than 500 wounded as two suicide car bombings ripped through downtown Baghdad this morning in one of the deadliest attacks in the past few years. Iraqi authorities have announced a three-day mourning period.
Obama said in a statement: "I strongly condemn these outrageous attacks on the Iraqi people, and send my deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones."
"The United States will stand with Iraq's people and government as a close friend and partner as Iraqis prepare for elections early next year, continue to take responsibility for their future, and build greater peace and opportunity," he said.
One suicide car bombing targeted the Justice Ministry in the Iraqi capital, and was followed, in a few minutes, by another one aimed at a Baghdad government building. The Iraqi office of the Russia Today TV channel was also damaged in the blasts.
A source in the local security agencies said the explosions could have been targeted against Iraqi diplomats who were having a meeting in a hotel opposite the Justice Ministry building.
Terrorist attacks hit Iraq rather often. In August 2009, attacks on the finance and foreign ministries took over 100 lives. The deadliest ever suicide bombing took place in August 2007, when 237 people were killed and over 300 injured in northern Iraq.
