Obama Strongly Condemns Jakarta Bombings

U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday firmly condemned bombings in Jakarta that killed at least nine people and injured dozens more, including eight Americans.

"Hotel employees evacuate guests at outside the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Jakarta after bombs tore through the hotel and the nearby JW Marriott. US President Barack Obama on Friday firmly condemned bombings in Jakarta that killed at least nine people and injured dozens more, including eight Americans."

"I strongly condemn the attacks that occurred this morning in Jakarta, and extend my deepest condolences to all of the victims and their loved ones," Obama said in a statement.

"The U.S. government stands ready to help the Indonesian government respond to and recover from these outrageous attacks as a friend and partner."

State Department spokesperson Robert Wood said eight of the estimated 40 injured in the blasts were U.S. citizens.

Obama, who spent part of his childhood in Indonesia, praised the country's steadfastness "in combating violent extremism."

"We will continue to partner with Indonesia to eliminate the threat from these violent extremists, and we will be unwavering in supporting a future of security and opportunity for the Indonesian people," he said.

Earlier U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said her department was working "to help American citizens injured in the blasts."

"The attacks reflect the viciousness of violent extremists, and remind us that the threat of terrorism remains very real," Clinton said, offering her sympathies to the victims and the Indonesian people.

"We have no higher priority than confronting this threat along with other countries that share our commitment to a more peaceful and prosperous future."