UNITED NATIONS, May 24 -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon and the UN Security Council on Saturday strongly condemned a deadly terrorist attack by Al-Shabaab militants on Somalia's parliament that left at least 10 people dead and more than 11 others wounded.

"The secretary-general condemns the attack by suicide bombers and gunmen on Somalia's Federal Parliament," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman. "There can be no justification for such attacks."

"The secretary-general conveys his solidarity and support for the men and women of the Federal Parliament, who represent the people of Somalia and their aspiration for a peaceful future," the statement said. "The United Nations will continue to support the Somali people, their Government and their parliament, as they work for peace and stability."

"The secretary-general commends the prompt action of the Somali National Security Forces and AMISOM (the African Union Mission in Somalia) in responding to the incident," the statement said. "The Secretary-General expresses his deep condolences to the families of the victims of the attack and wishes the injured a speedy recovery."

Gunmen loyal to the al-Qaida-affiliated terror group stormed the facility in the capital of Mogadishu earlier in the day, reports said, adding that fighters used automatic rifles, heavy machine guns and explosives in an attack that lasted more than three hours. Members of the Somali parliament were among those wounded.

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council members, in a separate statement, voiced their strong condemnation of the attack, extending condolences to the families of the victims, the Somali people and government, and to AMISOM. "They also wished a swift recovery to those injured."

"The members of the Security Council underscored their support to the Federal Government of Somalia," said the statement. "They are outraged that Al-Shabaab has attacked the Federal Parliament, an institution which represents the Somali people and their legitimate hopes for peace, prosperity and stability."

"The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever and by whomsoever committed," said the statement.

"The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with their responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations," it said.

The council members underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all states to cooperate actively with the Somali authorities in this regard, the statement said.

They also reiterated their support to all actors supporting efforts towards greater peace and stability in Somalia, including both UNSOM and AMISOM, it added.

Somali government officials described the attack as "foiled" and pledged to intensify security of institutions.

The radical Islamist group of Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the latest attack. The group has been driven out of much of south and center of Somalia but launches attacks in the government- controlled areas.