CRAWFORD, United States: American President Bush has denounced the bombing in the holy city of Najaf that martyred at least 40 people and wounded another 120 near the holy shrine of Imam Ali (A).

In a statement, Bush said: "On behalf of the American people, I join Iraqi leaders of all communities who have condemned this barbarous action in the strongest possible terms."

"To the Iraqi people, I pledge the commitment of the United States to helping your new government bring peace and security to all areas of your country," he said a day after the attack.

"The terrorists in Iraq have again proven that they are enemies of all humanity. Yesterday, they targeted innocent civilians in Najaf near a holy Muslim shrine -- and a symbol of peace throughout the world," said Bush. "We also mourn the loss of every innocent life in this atrocity and other atrocities perpetrated in Iraq in recent months."