Moscow Expresses Condolences After Istanbul, Baghdad Terrorist Attacks

Russian Foreign Ministry express deep condolences to the families and friends of those killed in a string of terrorist attacks in Baghdad on January 11 and an explosion in Istanbul on January 12, according to the official statement of ministry.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Moscow expresses its condolences to the families and friends of the victims of recent terrorist attacks in Turkey's Istanbul and Iraq's Baghdad, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

"We express our deep condolences to the families and friends of those killed in a string of terrorist attacks in Baghdad on January 11 and an explosion in Istanbul on January 12. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured," the ministry said in a statement.

Describing the attacks as "cynical crimes that cannot be justified," the ministry said the incidents once again underline the need for joint international efforts and a united front against terrorism.

Earlier in the day, a suicide bomber from Syria detonated an explosive device on Istanbul’s central historical Sultanahmet Square leaving at least 10 people dead and 15 injured. The majority of victims are German nationals.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has already extended condolences to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

On Monday, a group of gunmen detonated a car bomb in eastern Baghdad, and stormed a shopping mall in a predominantly Shiite district of the Iraqi capital. At least 18 people were killed and 50 others were injured in the attack.