Bahrain Mirror: The United States strongly condemned the "terrorist attack" adopted by ISIS in the city of Hilla, Iraq, by a booby-trapped vehicle detonated in the midst of Shiite pilgrims on their way back from Karbala, killing at least 70 people, most of them Iranians.

The White House's National Security Council Spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement, "The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack today in the city of Hilla, Iraq, which initial reports indicate killed at least 80 people and wounded many more." 

"Many of those killed were pilgrims, including from Iran, returning from commemorating the Shi'a observance of Arbaeen in the city of Karbala", he added.

Moreover, Mr. Price went on to say, "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."

"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", the National Security Council Spokesperson concluded.

At least 70 people were killed and 20 others wounded on Thursday, mostly Shiite Iranians on their way back from Karbala, by an ISIS-adopted blast southeast of Baghdad. The blast was triggered by a 500-liter ammonium nitrate booby-trapped vehicle detonated in a gas station, according to Iraqi Joint Operations directorate.

Millions of Shiites, Iraqis, Arabs, and foreigners, had marched last week to commemorate Imam Hussein's Arbaeen in Iraq's holy city of Karbala.

Arabic Version