At least 38 people were killed and 39 seriously injured after a gunman opened fire at a beach outside Hotel Riu Imperial Marhaba, in Sousse, Tunisia.

Extremist group ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack through an audio recording, but it has not been clarified if the group had any direct role in it, reported CNN WIRE.

On Friday, a young man appeared on the shore carrying a beach umbrella with a Kalashnikov rifle hidden underneath. He reportedly tested it with two shots and later targeted it towards those on the beach, which included guests of Hotel Riu Imperial Marhaba.

"The attacker reportedly targeted foreign tourists, as nearly 95% of those killed were British, German and French."

The gunman later made his way into the main hotel grounds at the outdoor pool where many guests escaped after hearing the firing prior to his entrance into the hotel. The gunman later tossed a grenade that exploded in the hotel compound.

The attacker reportedly targeted foreign tourists, as nearly 95% of those killed were British, German and French.

Hotel Riu Imperial Marhaba is as an all-inclusive hotel which overlooks the Port El Kantaoui. It contains indoor and outdoor pools, including one for children, and features modern day amenities with buffet style and theme restaurants, as well as a gym and whirlpool bath.

Tunisia was not the only place hit by a terrorist attack, as last week an unidentified man caused an explosion at a chemical plant near Lyon, France.

ISIS also claimed responsibility for the bomb attack on Shiite-affiliated Al-Sadiq mosque in Kuwait’s capital during Friday prayers, which left 25 dead and more than 200 injured.