By DPA,
Washington : The US strongly condemned the wave of bombings that took place in Baghdad Wednesday and killed at least 90 people, while expressing confidence that Iraqi forces are capable of providing security.
“These terrorist attacks are an attempt to undermine the progress that Iraqi institutions and security forces have worked hard to achieve,” State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said.
“We believe that they will not deter Iraqis from continuing their efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous society,” he said.
A series of coordinated explosions ripped through Baghdad, with authorities counting at least 10 from car bombs, explosive devices and mortars. By evening, the Voices of Iraq agency was reporting that 91 people had died and more than 550 were wounded. Authorities quickly blamed Al Qaeda in Iraq.
Among the targets were Iraqi government buildings, including the ministries for finance, foreign affairs, health, trade, education and housing. The attacks was the largest since US forces withdrew from cities June 30 based on an agreement forged last year and handed control to Iraqi forces.
The bombings raised questions about whether Iraqi forces were up to the task.
“We saw these kinds of horrific attacks when we were responsible for security as well,” Kelly said.