US condemns deadly twin suicide attack in Baghdad

WASHINGTON

The US condemned twin suicide bombings Thursday in Baghdad that killed at least 32 people.

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s terrorist attacks in Baghdad," Acting Secretary of State Daniel Smith said in a statement. "They were vicious acts of mass murder and a sobering reminder of the terrorism that continues to threaten the lives of innocent Iraqis."

The bombers detonated explosives in an area near al-Tayaran Square that left 110 others wounded, according to the Iraqi News Agency.

The top diplomat extended the US's "deepest condolences to the families of the victims and hope for a speedy recovery of those wounded."

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

"This attack is a reprehensible act of cowardice that underscores the dangers of terrorism that millions of Iraqis continue to face," the US Embassy in Baghdad said on Twitter.

Iraqi President Barham Salih said, “dark groups” aimed to target national achievements and the peace and future of the Iraqi people with the attacks.

“We firmly stand against these attempts to destabilize our country,” he said.

Iraqi Interior Ministry spokesperson Khaled Mehanna told a local television station that the ISIS/DAESH terror group was behind the attack.

"Although Daesh does not claim responsibility for the explosion, it still wanted to convey the message that it still exists," he said.