The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attacks in New Delhi, India, September 13. At least 21 people were killed and nearly 100 others were wounded when 5 bombs exploded in crowded areas of New Delhi. A group calling itself the Indian Mujahedeen reportedly claimed responsibility for the attacks.

In a written statement, U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said "there is no justification for the murder of innocent civilians. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured in these attacks." Mr. McCormack said the tragedy in New Delhi "serves as a reminder that terrorism does not deter, but unites those committed to peaceful and political means as the guarantor of a free, democratic and prosperous society." The U.S., said Mr. McCormack, stands with and is "ready to assist the government and people of India in their ongoing fight to eliminate the scourge of terrorism."

For a number of years, India has been the target of violent extremists. Since October 2005, more than 400 people have died in bomb attacks in its cities.

In its latest report on terrorism, the U.S. State Department said, during 2007, “India continued to rank among the world’s most terror-afflicted countries.” The conflict in Jammu and Kashmir, attacks by extreme leftist Naxalites and Maoists in eastern and central India, assaults by ethno-linguistic nationalists in the northeastern states, and terrorist strikes nationwide by Islamic extremists took more than 2,300 lives.

The recent terrorist attacks on the world's largest democracy are a threat and challenge to democracies everywhere. As U.S. Ambassador to India David Mulford noted, "The United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India in the fight against terror."