US strongly condemns Lahore suicide attack

Washington: Strongly condemning the "cowardly" terror attack in Lahore, the US has said together with its partners in Pakistan and across the region it will be unyielding in efforts to root out the scourge of terrorism.

"The United States condemns in the strongest terms today's appalling terrorist attack in Lahore. This cowardly act in what has long been a scenic and placid park has killed dozens of innocent civilians and left scores injured," said Ned Price, spokesman National Security Council, White House.

"We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed, just as our thoughts and prayers are with the many injured in the explosion," he said adding that the US stands with the people and the government of Pakistan at this difficult hour.

"We will continue to work with our partners in Pakistan and across the region, as together we will be unyielding in our efforts to root out the scourge of terrorism," Price said.

A large number of people including Christians were present in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park in Iqbal Town area of Lahore when the powerful blast occurred in the evening, leaving many in a pool of blood.

The brutal attack by a suicide bomber -- believed to be in his 20s -- was claimed by the Jamaatul Ahrar, a splinter group of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Strongly condemning the Lahore terror attack, State Department Spokesman John Kirby said this cowardly act, which targeted innocent civilians in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, has killed dozens and left scores injured.

"The United States stands with the people and Government of Pakistan at this difficult hour. We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Lahore as they respond to and recover from this terrible tragedy," Kirby said.

"Attacks like these only deepen our shared resolve to defeat terrorism around the world, and we will continue to work with our partners in Pakistan and across the region to combat the threat of terrorism," he said.

Senator Ben Cardin, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in a statement condemned the terror attack in Lahore on a holy day for Christians.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Pakistan. The United States and our allies will remain committed to countering these heinous attacks and to bringing those responsible to justice," he said.

The "cowardly mass execution" of innocent women and children, is an outrage, said John Kasich, Republican presidential candidate.

"Coming on the heels of the terrorist attacks in Belgium, it is further confirmation that radical terrorists are at war with our culture, our values and our way of life," Kasich said.