WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States condemned as "a heinous act" suicide bombings that hit three hotels in Amman, Jordan on Wednesday and caused nearly 200 casualties.

    "There has been a heinous act of terror committed against innocent civilians," a White House spokesman said.

    "We vigorously condemn such acts," he said.

    At least 53 people were killed and some 120 others were wounded in the blasts that rocked three hotels in the Jordanian capital Wednesday evening.

    Jordan's King Abdullah II said the deadly blasts were "terrorist acts" and pledged that "justice will pursue the criminals."

    A key ally of the United States, Jordan has been viewed as a stable country in the Middle East as compared with other parts of the region. Enditem