WASHINGTON (TIP): “The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack on innocent worshipers today (January 23) in northern Iraq. The United States stands with the Iraqi people and will continue to support the Government of Iraq, both against terrorist groups and to promote a religiously tolerant and diverse country”, says a pres statement issued by Victoria Nuland, Department Spokesperson of the US Department of State .

The statement further says, “As demonstrated over the past month, these terrorists are willing to target all Iraqis, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, and expressly undermine the will of the Iraqi people who overwhelmingly support stability and security. We express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and will do our utmost to help the Government of Iraq as it works to bring to justice those behind these horrific and heinous acts.”