White House condemns terrorist attack in Iraq

The White House offered its condolences to Iraq after a terrorist attack in the town of Hilla left at least 80 people dead.

{mosads}A suicide truck targeted Shia Muslim pilgrims returning from the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage in the holy city of Karbala. 

The bomb blast took place at a petrol station south of Baghdad. 

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has claimed responsibility for the attack. 

“The United States extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, as well as to all of Iraq, for this senseless violence, which was clearly intended to stoke sectarian tensions,” National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said in a statement Thursday. 

“The United States remains steadfast in its partnership with the Iraqi people and government, and this attack only serves to strengthen our resolve in defeating ISIL.”

A similar truck bomb attack was carried out in Hilla earlier this year, killing at least 60 people. ISIS also claimed responsibility for that attack.