UN chief condemns 'horrific terrorist attack' in Mali

United Nations: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the "horrific terrorist attack" at a luxury hotel in Mali on Friday, expressing concern that the attacks happened when peace process in the conflict-torn country was making "good process."

"The Secretary-General condemns the horrific terrorist attack at the Radisson hotel in Bamako which killed an unknown number of civilians and injured many more," a statement issued by his spokesperson said here.

Gunmen stormed the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, the capital of the West African nation of Mali, taking more than 100 hostages.

At least 22 people have been killed in the attack and many others injured.

About 20 Indians were also in the hotel when the terrorists struck but they have been safely evacuated.

Ban noted with concern that the attacks are taking place at a time when the peace process is making good progress and the signatory groups to the Agreement on peace and reconciliation in Mali were in Bamako to attend the sixth meeting of the Comit? de suivi de l'Accord (CSA) with the Malian Government and international partners.

"The Secretary-General deplores any attempt to derail the implementation of the Agreement. He expresses his full support to the Malian authorities in their fight against terrorist and extremist groups," the statement added.

Ban welcomed the statements of the signatory parties to the Agreement that they remain committed to its implementation and also reiterated the commitment of the United Nations to support the Malian Government and the parties to the Agreement at this critical juncture in the peace process.

The attack comes less than a week after ISIS terrorists carried out one of the most audacious attacks in Paris killing 130 people.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has been assisting the Malian authorities in the handling of this crisis.

The United States and French special forces also assisted in freeing the hostages.

Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSMA Mongi Hamdi expressed his support to those affected by the attack.

The Mission said it is currently supporting Malian authorities and is providing security back-up while also deploying medical resources at the site.

Mali has been riven by conflict since a military coup d??tat in 2012, resulting in very large scale internal and external displacement in the region.