ISIS claims responsibility for Manchester blast, warns of future attacks

Trump denounces attack at Ariana Grande concert venue as work of "evil losers"; Netanyahu extends condolence to victims, condemns terrorism.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, REUTERS
Updated: MAY 23, 2017 18:53
People sit next to a police cordon near to the Manchester Arena, Britain May 23, 2017 (photo credit: REUTERS)
People sit next to a police cordon near to the Manchester Arena, Britain May 23, 2017
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Islamic State claimed responsibility for Monday's deadly attack at the Manchester Arena and said it was carried out with an explosive device planted at the concert, according to a statement the group posted on Telegram.
"One of the soldiers of the Caliphate was able to place an explosive device within a gathering of the Crusaders in the city of Manchester," the statement said.
Islamic State media announced that "30 Crusaders were killed and 70 wounded," adding that the attack was in "response to transgressions against Muslim lands." ISIS warned that "what comes next will be more severe."
Meanwhile, world leaders condemned the deadly attack and extended their condolences to the victims and their families.
Bomb disposal at Manchester Arena after suspected terrorist blast outside Ariana Grande concert.
US President Donald Trump extended his condolences to the victims of the Manchester suicide bombing and said those behind the attack were "evil losers."
Trump, speaking after talks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the town of Bethlehem in the West Bank, said the United States stands in "absolute solidarity" with the British people.
"I extend my deepest condolences to those so terribly injured in this terrorist attack, and to the many killed and the families, so many families of the victims," Trump said. "So many young, beautiful innocent people living and enjoying their lives murdered by evil losers in life."
Abbas and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the Manchester attack.
"The Israeli government strongly condemns the terrible terror attack in Manchester," Netanyahu said in a statement.
"I send condolences to the families of the murdered and wish the wounded a speedy recovery," he continued. Terrorism is a global threat and enlightened countries must work together to defeat it everywhere."
British Prime Minister Theresa May said the incident was being treated as a terrorist attack, making it the deadliest militant assault in Britain since four British Muslims killed 52 people in suicide bombings on London's transport system in July 2005.
Police said the attacker detonated the explosives shortly after 10:33 pm (2133 GMT) at Manchester Arena, as thousands of fans streamed out of a concert by American pop sensation Ariana Grande. Children were among the dead, police said.
"Our society can have no tolerance for this continuation of bloodshed. We cannot stand a moment longer for the slaughter of innocent people," Trump said.
"The terrorists and the extremists and those who give them aid and comfort must be driven out of our society forever. This wicked ideology must be obliterated, and I mean completely obliterated."
Trump is visiting Jerusalem and West Bank on the second part of his maiden foreign trip since taking office in January.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon expressed his condolences and support to his British counterpart Ambassador Matthew Rycroft.
“We send our condolences to the families of the victims of the horrific attack in Manchester and pray for a speedy recovery for the wounded,” he said. “Israel stand by your side and we pledge to fight together with you the forces of terror who seek to harm the free world.”
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley added she was “deeply saddened” to hear of the attack.
“We stand with our British friends as they heal from this cowardly act of terror,” she said in a statement. “Our prayers are with the innocent victims of this attack and their families.”