WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is strongly condemning a wave of attacks in Iraq, including some in and around the capital of Baghdad.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest is calling the attacks part of a terrorist scourge. He’s sending condolences to the victims’ families and to those recovering from injuries.

At least 162 people have been killed in attacks since Sunday. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for Thursday’s deadliest attack.

Earnest says Obama’s deputy national security adviser, Tony Blinken, has been in Iraq in the last few days for comprehensive discussions about the country’s future. Blinken met with new Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi (HY’-dahr ahl ah-BAH’-dee), its Kurdish president and Sunni parliamentary speaker. He also met with regional Kurdish leaders in Erbil and with U.N. officials about the humanitarian situation.

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