US strongly condemns terror attack on Pakistan university

WASHINGTON: The US today strongly condemned the terror attack on a university in Pakistan's restive northwest, saying it will stand "side-by-side" with the country in its fight against terrorism.

"The United States strongly condemns today's attack on Bacha Khan University in Charsadda. We offer our deepest condolences to the victims and their families during this time of grief," State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner said.

"It is particularly appalling that these terrorists continue to attack educational institutions, targeting Pakistan's future generations," Toner said.

"The United States stands with the government and people of Pakistan and their efforts to create a secure, stable, and prosperous country, and we will stand side-by-side with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism," he said in a statement.

Heavily-armed Taliban militants stormed the prestigious university in Pakistan's restive northwest Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province this morning, firing indiscriminately on students and teachers. 20 people -- 18 students, a professor and a staffer -- and four terrorists had been killed in the attack.