The United States strongly condemns the recent attacks in Anbar and Diyala, and Karbala which targeted police recruits, pilgrims and innocent civilians, and offers condolences to the families of the victims of these terrorist attacks. The attacks yesterday in Karbala were especially reprehensible as they targeted Shi’a pilgrims practicing their faith. No cause or grievance justifies the murder of innocent people.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Iraq in rejecting extremist efforts to foment sectarian tensions and undermine the institutions of Iraqi democracy. They cannot and must not prevail. The United States remains deeply committed to assisting the Iraqi Security Forces in countering this threat. This commitment to Iraq and its people will not waiver.
