The United States and United Kingdom have condemned the twin blasts that rocked downtown Jolo, Sulu, killing at least 24 people and wounding 75 others on Monday, August 24.

In a statement on Tuesday, August 25, US East Asia and Pacific Affairs Assistant Secretary of State David Stillwell offered his condolences to victims of the bombing, describing the event as a “senseless attack.”

“Assistant Secretary Stillwell offers his deepest condolences to those affected by the bombings in Jolo, Philippines. We condemn this senseless attacks and stand by the people of the Philippines,” the US State Department’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs said. 

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim echoed this and vowed support for the Philippines. 

“I offer my sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of yesterday’s bombings in Jolo. We join the Philippine government in condemning these attacks and will continue to support our Filipino partners to strengthen national security,” Kim said. 

The US is a major military ally of the Philippines and works closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its counter-terrorism efforts. 

In a statement on Monday, British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce said the United Kingdom denounces the twin blasts. 

“My thoughts are with the loved ones of the innocent victims of the Jolo blasts. The UK condemns all acts of terrorism,” Pruce tweeted. 

On Tuesday, AFP Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu Commander Brigadier General William Gonzales said they suspect the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) to be behind the blasts as it is “the only group” capable of mounting such an attack. (READ: Jolo suicide bomber subject of 4 slain soldiers’ intel mission – sources)

Sulu is also a stronghold of the ASG, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State or ISIS international terror network. The group has been involved in bombings and kidnappings in southern Philippines since 1989.

No group has claimed responsibility for the explosions. – Rappler.com