Putin sends condolences to Urumqi attack victims

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a message to Chinese President Xi Jinping expressing his condolences to the victims of a terror attack in China's northwestern city of Urumqi, the Kremlin said Thursday.

In the message, Putin strongly condemned the "bloody crime" and said he hoped the organizers will be found and prosecuted.

He confirmed Moscow's interest in further strengthening Russia-China cooperation in fighting terrorism and extremism.

Putin also sent condolences to the relatives of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack.

Explosions occurred Thursday morning at an open air market in Urumqi, capital of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, leaving at least 31 dead and 94 injured.

Two vehicles, without license plates, broke through roadside fences and plowed into people at the market. Explosive devices were also set off, said a statement issued by the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region's publicity department.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to severely punish terrorists and spare no efforts in maintaining stability.