The UN Security Council has condemned in the strongest possible terms the terror attack at an upscale mall in Kenya in which 39 people, including two Indians, were killed, with UN Chief Ban Ki-moon calling the premeditated act against defenceless civilians as "reprehensible".
"The members of the Security Council reaffirm that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," the 15-member Council said in a press statement issued here.
"Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed," the statement said.
Two Indians, including an 8-year-old boy, were among 39 killed and four other community members injured in the attack by armed terrorists on an upscale mall in Nairobi in Kenya. Over 150 people were also injured in the attack.
Somalia's Al Qaeda-inspired Shebab rebels claimed the responsibility, saying the carnage was in direct retaliation for Kenya's military intervention in Somalia, where African Union troops are battling the Islamists.
Ban extended his condolences to the families of those killed and wounded.
He spoke to Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta by telephone conveying the world body's solidarity with the Kenyan people.
The UN Chief "trusts that those responsible for this attack will be brought to justice," a statement attributable to Ban's spokesperson said.
"This premeditated act, targeting defenceless civilians, is totally reprehensible," the statement said.
Security Council members also reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism.
