A witness to the attacks at Nairobi’s West Gate mall says that gunmen told Muslims to stand up and leave and that non-Muslims would be targeted. A Kenya Red Cross official told the Associated Press at least 22 people were killed.
CNN reports that more than 30 were killed and anywhere from 50 to 100 were injured. Police reported via Twitter that all attackers have been “isolated and pinned down in a room by security forces.” At least one suspect has been arrested.
U.S. State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said in a statement, according to Reuters: “We have reports of American citizens injured in the attack, and the U.S. Embassy is actively reaching out to provide assistance.”
Elijah Kamau told the Associated Press attackers with AK-47s and grenades made the statement about targeting non-Muslims before throwing grenades and opening fire.
Associated Press reporters at the scene said they saw about 10 dead bodies and dozens wounded more than two hours after the attack began. Officials did not yet give an official death toll.
Somali’s rebel group Al Shabaab vowed in late 2011 to carry out a large-scale attack in Nairobi in retaliation for Kenya’s sending of troops into Somalia to fight the Islamic insurgents.
The group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and tweeted threats (see below).
