We strongly and vehemently condemn the terrorist attack perpetrated in Bamako, capital of Mali, today (20 November), against Radisson Blu Hotel resulting in the hostage taking of 170 people and death of many others.

We wish God's mercy upon those who lost their lives in the attack, convey our condolences to their relatives and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded.

We are very pleased that the Turkish Airlines crew and another Turkish citizen stranded in the hotel were freed without injury through the intensive efforts of the Malian security forces and the UN peace force personnel in Mali.

The Turkish Airlines allocated a special aircraft for the return of the Turkish Airlines crew to Turkey after they were brought to the Turkish Embassy in Bamako following their rescue from the hotel.

Turkey will continue to provide every kind of support to the Republic of Mali and its people in their fight against terrorism.