The United States and the North Atlantic Treat Organization (NATO) on Wednesday strongly the killing and mutilation of a British soldier in a suspect terrorist attack in London, and reiterated their continued support to the people and government of the United Kingdom.
The British soldier was hacked to death by two men armed with knives and meat cleavers outside the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, a district of southeast London, earlier on Wednesday. The attackers reportedly shouted Islamic slogans as they hacked the soldier to death and mutilated his body in broad day light.
The two attackers were shot and injured by police officers, who arrived at the scene after being informed about the incident by onlookers. The duo is currently receiving medial treatment for their injuries in two separate hospitals under police watch.
"The United States condemns today's attack in the Woolwich district of London. We stand with our U.K. allies in the face of such senseless violence. Our thoughts and condolence are with the family of the victim and the British people," read a statement issued by the US State Department.
Separately, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen condemned what he described as a "shocking and barbaric crime," and said: "Such attacks can never be justified. Our thoughts at this terrible time are with the victim's family and friends. We stand in solidarity with the British government and the people of Britain."
The British government is considering the incident as a "serious Islamist terrorist attack." In wake of the incident, authorities have tightened security at the barracks and other military installations across the British capital.
Prime Minister David Cameron, who is currently on a short visit to France, said the incident was "very shocking," He also cut short his French visit to return to London to chair a national security meeting on the issue on Thursday morning.
"People across Britain, people in every community, I believe, will utterly condemn this attack. It is the most appalling crime. The police are urgently seeking the full facts about this case, but there are strong indications that it is a terrorist incident," Cameron said in Paris.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com