WASHINGTON, July 29: Describing it as terrorist act, the United States on Thursday expressed its outrage and anguish over the brutal murder of two Pakistanis employed by a private company in Iraq.

Reacting to the reported murder, a State Department official said: "We are outraged by these terrorist acts, and send our condolences to their families and to the Pakistani people."

"The murder of civilians engaged in helping Iraq's reconstruction demonstrates the contempt these armed groups have for the Iraqi people," the official said.

"This incident again makes clear the brutal and indiscriminate nature of the violence now being perpetrated against the Iraqi people as well as those international workers contributing to the reconstruction of Iraq.

"Such incidents are a reminder that those who seek to divide Iraqis, incite conflict, and stem the advance of freedom are willing to commit atrocities to advance their destructive agenda.

"We are committed to ensuring the stability of Iraq, and will continue to work closely with the Iraqi government to end this violence, and bring the terrorists perpetrating it to justice," the official added. -APP