Norway condemns attacks in Tunisia, France, Kuwait

Norway on Friday condemned a wave of terrorist attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait, which left at least 63 people dead and more than 200 others injured on three continents at roughly the same time.

"Norway condemns terrorist attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait. We must stand together in the fight against terrorism and extremism," Prime Minister Erna Solberg said in a statement posted on her Twitter account.

Norway's Foreign Minister Borge Brende also issued separate statements condemning the attacks in the three countries and calling for more cooperation in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

"I condemn today's terrorist attack in Sousse in Tunisia. Once again, ruthless terrorists have carried out a brutal attack on civilians in the country. Our thoughts go to all those who have lost their loved ones," Brende said.

He said the perpetrators were attacking the stability and economy of the whole of Tunisia by targeting the country's most important tourist destinations and it is now vital that the international community stands together with Tunisia in defending the country's positive democratic development.

The Norwegian foreign minister noted that France was once again hit by a brutal and shocking attack and the Nordic country "stands together with France in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism."

"Today's events are a brutal reminder of the importance of efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism. In this work, increased exchange of information and cooperation across borders is crucial, in Europe too," Brende said.

For the attack on a shiite mosque in Kuwait's capital, Kuwait City, Brende said an attack on people gathered for prayers is "a monstrous and ruthless outrage."

On Friday, in Tunisia, at least one armed man opened fire at a hotel in Tunisia's Sousse, killing at least 37 people and injuring 36, including three in critical situation.

On the same day, in Kuwait, 25 people were killed in a suicide bomb strike on a Shiite Muslim mosque when a large number of Muslims were doing midday prayers, and at least 202 others were wounded. The Islamic State (IS) militant group claimed responsibility for the attack.

In France, an attack against a gas factory near Lyon in southeast France in the same day left one person beheaded and several others injured.

It is not yet known whether the attacks had been coordinated. But just a few days ago, IS called for such operations during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Endit