UNITED NATIONS, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The UN chief on Friday condemned the terrorist attack in Minya, Egypt, saying "there can be no justification for such horrific violence."

"The Secretary-General expresses his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Egypt," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement.

"He wishes a quick recovery to those injured and hopes that the perpetrators of this despicable act will be swiftly identified and brought to justice," Dujarric said.

At least 28 people were killed Friday in Egypt after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying Coptic Christians in what officials are calling a terror attack.

Ten assailants wearing fatigues and face masks fired on the passengers from three four-wheel drive vehicles on a desolate stretch of desert road, according to media reports.