World powers condemn terrorist attack in Quetta

ISLAMABAD: Condemnation and condolences poured in from the international community on Tuesday following the terrorist attack on a police training facility in Quetta which claimed the lives of 61 cadets and injured at least 117 others.

The United States, Russia, and China were among the countries which condemned the attack, which also claimed the life of a Pakistan Army captain and injured two Frontier Corps personnel.

On Monday night, terrorists stormed the Police Training College in Quetta’s suburbs and opened fire on the cadets and security personnel. Two suicide bombers blew themselves up inside the training centre. One suicide bomber was killed by the security forces before he could detonate himself. The compound was cleared after an intense operation which lasted four hours.

US condemns attack

Addressing a press briefing in Washington, spokesperson for the US State Department John Kirby expressed sympathy for the cadets who were martyred in the attack as well as those who had been injured.

"In this difficult hour, we are with the people and government of Pakistan," said Kirby.

He added that the United States was working with Pakistan to thwart terrorism and militancy.

Putin sends message of condolence

The Press and Information Office of the Russian president issued a message of condolence from Vladmir Putin addressed to the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan over the terrorist attack.

"Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the wake of the tragic terrorist attack on a Police College in Quetta," said the statement.

The Russian president expressed his confidence that the plotters and executors of the barbaric crime would be brought to justice, and confirmed Russia's readiness to further expand counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan.

Putin expressed sincere sympathy to the families and loved ones of those killed in the attack and wished speedy recovery to those injured.

China says will continue supporting Pakistan

China's Foreign Office also condemned the terrorist attack.

In a statement from Beijing, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Office said it strongly condemns violent acts of terrorism.

In the statement, Beijing said it would continue its support to Pakistan for its efforts for stability and its endeavors to protect its citizens.