Tunisia's parliament on Wednesday announced a day of solidarity after militants opened fire at a museum in capital Tunis, killing 19 people and leaving over 40 injured.

"The target of the attack was the parliament and the national museum," said Parliament President Mohamed Enaceur during a special session late Wednesday. "These are symbols and this attack was a message to tell us that terrorism today has changed in that it has a presence in the city and is eyeing our national symbols."

Prime Minister Habib Essid said two assailants wearing military-style uniforms "hunted and chased down" tourists at the National Bardo Museum in Tunis. They also captured some tourists. Two attackers were killed by police in an operation to free the hostages. Tunisian authorities were still searching for up to three potential accomplices.

The dead included three people from Japan. Essid said two Tunisians were among the victims, along with people from Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain.

In a television address to the nation Wednesday evening, President Beji Caid Essebsi said, "I want the people of Tunisia to understand firstly and lastly that we are in a war with terror, and these savage minority groups will not frighten us.''

The attack was strongly condemned by the United Nations Security Council. "The members of the Security Council stressed that no terrorist attack can reverse the path of Tunisia towards democracy and all efforts directed towards economic recovery and development," read a statement from the council.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry also condemned the attack and offered support to the Tunisian government. "We commend Tunisian authorities' rapid response to today's wanton violence and their efforts to resolve the hostage situation and restore calm," Kerry said.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the shooting was a terrorist attack. "This attack cruelly illustrates the threat that we are all confronted with in Europe, in the Mediterranean, around the world. France, Tunisia and Europe will act together to fight terrorism," Valls said.