Obama condemns metro bombings in Moscow, phones Russian leader to offer condolences

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Obama offers Medvedev condolences after bombings

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has phoned Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to discuss the rush-hour bombings on the Moscow metro.

The White House says the two leaders spoke Monday and that Obama conveyed the condolences of the United States.

The White House is calling the attack an “outrageous terrorist act.”

Obama told the Russian leader that the United States is ready to cooperate with Russia to bring to justice the attackers.

Earlier Monday, Obama condemned the bombings in a statement and called the attack “heinous.”

The head of Russia’s main security agency said a preliminary investigation places the blame on rebels from the restive Caucasus region, which includes Chechnya, where separatists have fought Russian forces since the mid-1990s.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has condemned the rush hour bombings in the Moscow metro, offering his condolences to the Russian people.

In a statement issued by the White House early Monday, the president said the American people stand united with the people of Russia in opposition to violent extremism and “heinous” terrorist attacks.

The blasts came about 30 minutes apart during the morning rush hour, killing at least 37 people and wounding 102.

The head of Russia’s main security agency said a preliminary investigation places the blame on rebels from the restive Caucasus region that includes Chechnya, where separatists have fought Russian forces since the mid-1990s.