Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured his people that the terrorists will be defeated and that the government will give full support to the victims. He also urged Kenyans to be calm and vigilant during these “dark moments.”

Addressing the country in the aftermath of the Westgate Mall attack, President Kenyatta said that “terrorists acts will not cow Kenyans,” as he encouraged volunteers to help those who were injured in the attack.

Deputy President William Ruto also condemned the incident, noting that the terrorists’ act was “cowardly and wicked.”

Police reports said that an armed group attacked the second floor of the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi Saturday, which resulted in a gunbattle. The terrorist attack at Westgate Mall has resulted in the death of 39 people while around 150 were injured.

A multi-agency operation is reportedly ongoing to find the attackers while rescue operations by a contingent of officers from different security agencies are ongoing led by Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo.

Meanwhile, the British government declared its support to the ongoing operation of the Kenyan government to pursue the release of the hostages at the Westgate Shopping Mall.

British Foreign Secretary William J. Hague said that the British government is in close contact with Kenyan authorities, and that the foremost consideration is the welfare of the hostages being held by the terrorists.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon also expressed support to President Kenyatta as he condoled with the families of those killed in the incident.