A masked gunman opened fire at La Terrasse restaurant and nightclub on Saturday in Bamako - killing a French national, a Belgian, and three Malians.

According to the police, one gunman entered the nightclub and opened fire. Police considers this a terrorist attack but they are still verifying it.

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"This is a terrorist attack although we are waiting for clarification," said the police officer.

Witnesses claimed that five assailants left the area after the incident on board a vehicle and a motorcycle.

Accordingly, the perpetrators shouted "Allahu Akbar," the Arabic for "God is Great."

Many police authorities and security forces cordoned the area after the incident. Some witnesses refused to testify because they are scared for any retaliation.

The Belgian victim worked for the European Union (EU) and was a security officer at the delegation in Bamako, said EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherin. She added that the terrorist act just worked to solidify their resolve to combat terrorism in the region.

Police authorities have arrested two suspects but are still withholding their identities and nationalities.

In a press statement, French President Francois Hollande said that the attack was a "cowardly" one.

The French Embassy in Bamako also issued a warning to French nationals in Mali to exercise caution should they leave their homes.

Belgium Foreign Minister Didier Reynders also expressed his sympathy to the victims of the attack and to their families as well.

European Council President Donald Tusk averred that the European Union will not be intimidated by terrorism. Rather, the organization will "remain steadfast" in supporting Mali and its residents.

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon earlier encouraged Mali's Tuareg rebels to sign the peace deal which was almost agreed in Algeria last week. The Malian Government signed a peace agreement with of Mali's rebel groups. The Tuareg, however, demanded for more time.

TagsMali, Tuareg, European Union, french, Belgian, Malian