Assistance: Obama offers help after attacks in Egypt, Nigeria

Obama condemns separate “outrageous terrorist bombing attacks”.

HONOLULU: President Barack Obama on Saturday condemned separate “outrageous terrorist bombing attacks” in Egypt and Nigeria and said the US was prepared to assist both countries in responding to them.

“The perpetrators of this attack were clearly targeting Christian worshipers, and have no respect for human life and dignity. They must be brought to justice for this barbaric and heinous act,” Obama, who is vacationing in Hawaii, said in a statement.

“We are continuing to gather information regarding this terrible event, and are prepared to offer any necessary assistance to the government of Egypt in responding to it.”

In Nigeria, a bomb at a crowded market in the country’s capital Abuja killed at least four people and injured more than a dozen during New Year’s Eve celebrations late on Friday.

“Killing innocent civilians who were simply gathering – like so many people around the world – to celebrate the beginning of a New Year further demonstrates the bankrupt vision of those who carry out these attacks, Obama said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd, 2011.