WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The United States has condemned "in the strongest terms" the deadliest single attack by terrorists in Somali capital Mogadishu Saturday, killing 276 people and injuring many more.

A Department of State spokesperson said here Sunday that her country condemned the "senseless and cowardly act" in the Horn of Africa country that has been grappling with militant groups for years.

Somali Information Minister Abdirahman Osman was reported as putting the toll at 276 while nearly 300 more sustained injuries when a massive truck bomb went off near a popular hotel at a busy inter-section, demolishing the building and causing destruction in the area.

"We extend our deepest condolences to all Somalis... (and) wish for a quick recovery for all those injured," U.S. Department of State spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a released statement.

She said the United States will work with Somalia and Washington's international allies to combat terrorism and support the efforts to achieve peace, security and prosperity.