Woolwich attack: Singapore condemns 'barbaric killing'

SINGAPORE - Singapore called on all countries to respond firmly to terrorism as it condemned the killing of a British soldier in southeast London by two suspected Islamists.

"Singapore strongly condemns the senseless and barbaric killing of a British soldier in Woolwich, London. Our thoughts are with his family and friends," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement late on Thursday.

Witnesses said the killers ran down their victim in a car, then tried to sever his head from his body with knives. One of the men, identified in local media reports as Londoner Michael Adebolajo, 28, was apparently caught on video declaring that it was revenge for British wars in Muslim countries.

"This is a reminder that terrorism remains a serious threat. All countries must continue to stand firm against all acts of terror," the ministry added.

British authorities believe that the two suspects are British of Nigerian descent, a source close to the investigation told Reuters on Thursday. Media also said that the men appeared to have converted to Islam from Christian backgrounds. Two suspects, shot by police, have been hospitalised pending further investigations.

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