US regrets kirkuk church attack

The US Department of State expressed regret for the bombing that targeted a church in Kirkuk in northern Iraq. "We deplore the attack today outside the Holy Family Church in Kirkuk and extend our condolences to the victims'' families and loved ones. Attacks like this, which target religious minorities, demonstrate the extent to which certain terrorist groups will go to disrupt the progress Iraq has made toward reducing violence," US Department of State Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner said in a statement. "We are confident the Government of Iraq will take all necessary steps to bring the people responsible for this horrific act to justice and continue its efforts to improve the security situation for all Iraqis, including those whose communities are threatened on the basis of their faith and beliefs," he added.