Syria denounces Baghdad attacks

DAMASCUS, Syria, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Damascus came forward with statements denouncing the weekend attacks on government buildings in Baghdad that killed more than 160 people.

At least 160 people were killed and 500 injured in coordinated bomb attacks near government offices in Baghdad.

Officials said the attacks Sunday involved a bomb set off in a truck on the street and another vehicle in a parking area near the Iraqi Ministry of Justice and the headquarters of the Baghdad Provincial Administration. Investigators estimated the vehicles carried nearly 2 tons of explosives.

No one claimed responsibility for the blasts, but Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki laid the blame on al-Qaida and supporters of former leader Saddam Hussein.

The Sunday attacks are one of the most violent in years. Similar attacks targeting government compounds killed hundreds in August.

Maliki blamed the August attack on Baath Party loyalists hiding out in Damascus. Syria denied the allegations.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued statements of condolence to the Iraqi people and stressed its support for national security in response to the weekend attacks.

"We again underline our support to any step that could preserve Iraq security and stability," a statement carried by the official Syrian Arab News Agency read.

The weekend attacks come amid tense preparations for January parliamentary elections and lingering concerns over an August deadline for the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces.