Wednesday, July 12 2006 10:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: The US yesterday (July 11, 2006) declared that it stands with India in the war against terror and said it will offer New Delhi any assistance that it might request in regard to attacks in Kashmir and Mumbai.

In an official statement condemning the attacks, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said there is no political cause that can justify the murder of innocent people and those responsible for the terrible acts should be swiftly brought to justice.

"The US condemns today's horrific terrorist attacks in Kashmir and Mumbai. Many people have lost their lives and many others have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," said the secretary of state.

"There is no political cause that can justify the murder of innocent people. The US stands with India in the war against terror. Those responsible for these terrible acts should be swiftly brought to justice," she added.

Meanwhile, the State Department spokesman, Sean McCormack said the US has been in touch with the Indian government concerning these attacks, and it will offer any assistance that it might request.

"Today there were multiple terrorist attacks in India. We condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms. So our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost their loved ones or friends or relatives in these attacks, and we wish a speedy recovery to all of those who were injured," McCormack told reporters.

"We have been in touch with the Indian Government concerning these attacks, and of course we will offer any assistance that they might request. I understand that the investigation is ongoing as to who is responsible for these attacks. I don't believe that there's been any claim of responsibility at this point," said McCormack.