Iraq condemns hostage-taking attack in France

BAGHDAD, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Iraq on Friday condemned hostage-taking incident at a supermarket in Trebes, southern France, which killed and wounded several people, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said.

"The ministry confirms Iraq's solidarity with France in its efforts to combat terrorism, and extends its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes swift recovery of the wounded," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry renewed Iraq's call for enhancing international coordination and cooperation "to eradicate this dangerous scourge (of terrorism) that threatens the security and stability of the world peoples," the statement said.

Earlier in the day, media reports said that a gunman affiliated to Islamic State (IS) group took hostages in a supermarket in Trebes, southern France, and shot dead at least two people and wounded others. Enditem