UN Security Council condemns Nairobi mall attack

The UN Security Council condemned "in the strongest possible terms" a deadly attack on a Nairobi shopping mall on Saturday claimed by Somalia's al Qaeda-linked Shebab rebels.

The UN Security Council condemned "in the strongest possible terms" a deadly attack on a Nairobi shopping mall on Saturday claimed by Somalia's al Qaeda-linked Shebab rebels.

Fourteen hours after the attack began, Kenyan troops were still trying to secure the area and neutralise the fighters who killed 39 people and wounded 150 more. The rebels were holding hostages inside.

"The members of the Security Council condemn in the strongest possible terms today's terrorist attack in Nairobi, which has caused numerous deaths and injuries," they said in a unanimous declaration also extending condolences to the victims and their families.

The 15 council member states also reiterated their condemnation of terror in all its forms and vowed to "combat all forms of terrorism."

"The members of the Security Council expressed their solidarity with the people and government of Kenya at this difficult time," the statement added.