EU lends hand to Kenya after Westgate attack

BRUSSELS, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- The European Commission said Wednesday the terrorist attack on the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, required a "comprehensive and coordinated response."

The EU issued a statement Wednesday saying it was engaged with the Kenyan government "to provide every possible [level of] support" to those affected by a terrorist attack on the Westgate Mall in Nairobi.

Interpol, the international police force, said last weekend it was extending its support to Kenyan authorities responding to a Saturday raid attributed to al-Shabaab, an al-Qaida affiliate focused largely on Somalia.

"Terrorism is a global threat and as such requires a comprehensive and coordinated response," the EU statement read. "The EU is a longstanding partner of the Horn of Africa in facing terrorism and remains committed to cooperating with all countries to free the region from the scourge of al-Shabaab."

European Commissioner for Crisis Response Kristalina Georgieva said the EU gave approximately $34,000 to address a request from the Kenyan Red Cross Society. The EU said it was working with Interpol on the possibility of additional support.

Interpol Secretary-General Ronald Noble described the Westgate Mall attack as a "bloodbath."