UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations Security Council on Friday strongly condemned the horrifying terrorist attack at a hotel in the Malian capital of Bamako, during which at least 27 people were killed and many more injured.

The council said in a statement that it expressed its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims of this attack and to the government of Mali, as well as to all governments whose citizens were targeted in this attack.

The Radisson hotel was attacked on Friday morning by a group of unidentified gunmen, who seized 170 guests and staff as hostages. At least 27 people were killed as Malian Special Forces ended the hostage situation in the luxury hotel.

The council expressed its full support to the Malian authorities in their fight against terrorist groups and called on them to swiftly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The 15-nation body strongly condemned any action that may undermine the peace process in Mali, the statement said.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed, the statement added.