WASHINGTON: The United States reaffirming its support to Pakistan in its war against terrorism and extremism, Monday condemned the  blast at a shrine in Balochistan province which killed more than 50 people.

At a regular briefing at the US State Department, spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau said, ” United States condemns the attack in the strongest term that killed 52 innocent worshipers and wounded over a hundred more.”

“We extend our condolences to the victims and their families. Attacks like this only deepen our shared resolve to defeat terrorism and end the targeting of religious minorities,” Trudeau said in her opening statement.

“We stand with the people of Pakistan at this difficult hour and  remain committed to supporting religious freedom. We’ll continue to work with our partners in Pakistan and across the region to combat the threat of terrorism, she added.

The spokesperson also condemned the suicide attack on coalition personnel at Bagram Airfield this weekend that killed two U.S. service members and two U.S. contractors, and injured 16 other U.S. service members and one Polish soldier participating in the NATO mission.

Speaking separate, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said these attacks will not deter “our mission” to protect our homeland and help Afghanistan secure its future.

-APP