US condemns 'horrific' Mumbai attacks

WASHINGTON: The US State Department on Wednesday condemned the "horrific" attacks in Mumbai that left nearly 60 dead, and said it was monitoring the situation closely.

"We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks that have taken place in Mumbai, India," deputy spokesman Robert Wood said in a statement.

"Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of those killed and injured, and to the people of Mumbai," he added, saying the department was not aware of any American casualties.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice "has been briefed on the attacks in Mumbai and is monitoring the situation closely," another State Department official said.

Noting that "the situation on the ground is extremely fluid," the official, who requested anonymity, added that Rice will contact officials at the US Embassy in New Delhi and the US consulate in Mumbai.

She will be speaking to Indian government officials as well, he added.

The State Department said it was not aware of any American victims in the series of shooting and bombing incidents apparently targeting foreigners in India's financial capital. Some 200 people were also wounded in the attacks.

The agency established a call center for Americans concerned about family or friends visiting or living in Mumbai.