NAIROBI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- East African bloc IGAD on Wednesday condemned the attack on a hotel and an office complex in Nairobi, calling for joint efforts to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the region.
Mahboub Maalim, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) executive secretary, also expressed confidence that the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of the attack will be brought to justice as soon as possible.
"Such barbaric attacks must not be allowed to weaken our collective determination to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from our region," Maalim said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed on Wednesday 14 civilians were killed and several others injured after a deadly attack on a hotel and business complex on Tuesday in Nairbi.
Maalim expressed the regional bloc's heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved and wished quick and full recovery to the injured.
He reaffirmed IGAD's solidarity with the people and Kenyan government in their fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
The official also lauded the gallantry of Kenyan security forces and emergency services for their swift response to the attack, noting that their action helped save many lives.
