Heavy explosions at Westgate
This photo taken from Oshwal Center on September 23, 2013 shows smoke rising from the Westgate Mall. Malls in particular — and other soft targets — should always be on high alert because they remain high-value targets for terrorists. PHOTO | AGGREY MUTAMBO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku said the fire was started by the terrorists
- Two suspected terrorists were killed in an operation Monday morning
- Chief of General Staff General Julius Karangi said they had information on the terrorists including their nationalities
Heavy explosions was on Monday afternoon heard from the Westgate mall as heavy smoke rose in a confrontation between the military and the attackers.
Heavy gunfire preceded the blast.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku said the fire was started by the terrorists to distract security personnel.
He said the fire was started in the Nakumatt store and said efforts were being made to put it out.
He said the security personnel had taken control of all the floors but the attackers were still holed in the building.
He said two suspected terrorists were killed in an operation Monday morning.
Chief of General Staff General Julius Karangi said they had information on the terrorists including their nationalities.
He however said the information will not be revealed due to the sensitive nature of the operation.
Inspector General of Police Mr David Kimaiyo said they had managed to rescue some hostages.
"Thumbs up to our multi-agency team, we have just managed to rescue some hostages. We're increasingly gaining advantage of the attackers," he said in a post on his Twitter account.
