Obama condemns Moscow blasts, offers US help

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama condemned the deadly double suicide bombings on Moscow's metro on Monday as "outrageous acts," and offered to help "bring to justice" those who committed the attacks.

"The American people stand united with the people of Russia in opposition to violent extremism and heinous terrorist attacks that demonstrate such disregard for human life, and we condemn these outrageous acts," Obama said in a statement.

He also expressed his "deepest condolences" to the people of Russia after what he said was a "terrible loss of life and injuries."

At least 38 people were killed when two female suicide bombers blew themselves up on packed trains during the Monday morning rush hour at stations close to the former KGB headquarters and Gorky Park.

Obama called his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev offering condolences and to help "bring to justice" those responsible for the attacks.

The US president called to "personally convey the condolences of the American people on the loss of life and injuries resulting from the outrageous terrorist act in Moscow," the White House said in a statement.

"President Obama said that the United States was ready to cooperate with Russia to help bring to justice those who undertook this attack."

"My thoughts and prayers go out to those who lost loved ones, and I wish all who sustained injuries a successful recovery," Obama added.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, traveling to Ottawa for a G8 summit, called the "brutal assault" a reminder "that terrorism is a threat to peace-loving people everywhere and must be met with unwavering resolve."

She said she would offer her personal condolences to her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov at the G8 meeting later Monday.

"Together with our G8 partners, we will discuss how to further strengthen international counterterrorism coordination and cooperation," she said in a statement.

"I was in Moscow earlier this month, and I know the resilience and determination of the Russian people. The United States stands with them today and everyday in solidarity against violent extremism in all its forms."