WASHINGTON - The White House expressed its solidarity with Iraqis Friday in the wake of suicide bombings in two Baghdad pet markets that killed 64 people.
"These extremists have no regard for life. We will continue to stand with the Iraqi people to defeat these terrorists," said Gordon Johndroe, a White House spokesman.
The two attacks by female suicide bombers ripped through the markets 20 minutes apart in an action which the US military said was apparently coordinated by Al-Qaeda.
Security and hospital sources said 64 were killed and at least 107 injured in the attacks Friday.
It was the most deadly day in the Iraqi capital since August 1, 2007, when a triple attack left 80 dead.
On Thursday President George W. Bush singled out the resurgence of markets in Baghdad as a sign of the increased security in the city in the wake of last year's 30,000 US troop hike.
Bush said top US officials in Iraq have reported to him that "markets that were once shut down in dismal places as a result of attacks are beginning to come back and flourish, and life is improving dramatically."
"Baghdad ... which was once subject to unbelievable sectarian violence, is improving, and life is returning, and that's positive," Bush told an audience in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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02/01/2008 15:40 GMT