Kenya Defense Forces in Control Of Westgate Mall after An Attack by Al-Shabab Militia Photos and Video

Kenya remains strong, as the military forces battle a group of al-Shabab militia who have taken Kenyans and other nationalities hostage inside Westgate shopping Mall in Nairobi. The official death toll released by the government stands at 62 as at the afternoon Monday 23rd September, two days after the siege of the mall began on Saturday 21st September around 11 am.

This attack appears to have been well-plotted and contrary to what was thought; most of the attackers come from different countries. Since Kenya deployed troops to Somalia in 2011, al-Shabab has been pushing for withdrawal of the troops. Kenya has since suffered a series of grenade attacks in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Garissa however, the latest attack of Westgate mall seems to have been the most dangerous. 

A group of al-Shabab militia numbering about 10 to 15 stormed the building and started spraying bullets on people before taking others hostage. Close to over 1000 people have been restored with scores injured and rushed to different hospitals including MP Shah Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, Kenya National Hospital, Aga Khan, and Guru Nanak hospital.

Over 175 people have been reported injured. The situation is delicate and extremely tense as people wait to get the full horror of this beastly attack. Journalist have been barred from coming closer to the building because of the nature of the attack. It is too risky for journalists to move closer and are only reporting some distance from the mall.

 

Rescue operations conducted by the Kenya Defense Forces has so far been very successful and the Red Cross has shown its resilience in helping victims of the attack. There has been a fierce battle on Monday afternoon 23rd with gunshots and explosions being hard repeatedly from the mall. The terrorist are believed to have set a section of the mall on fire to create distortion of the assault.

However, the Kenya Defense Forces have been fiercely engaging the terrorists and have taken control of most of the floors of the building. Among those who lost their lives in this attack are Kenya nationals, Indian nationals, French, South Africans, Canadians, Australians, Britons, and Chinese. The Westgate Mall is a prestigious shopping facility located at Westlands in Nairobi, and is frequented by visitors of different nationalities.

It is believed that Westgate was targeted because it is frequented by many people of all nationalities. Two of the attackers are believed to have been killed in the assault by the Kenya military forces. As the rescue operations continue, Kenyans are urged to remain calm and resilient, and do their business cautiously.

 

The Kenya government has consistently said that there is no need for travel adversaries to be issued by other nations as the situation has been contained. The war against terror is a global war and countries must join their hand to fight these terrorists relentlessly. The terrorists seems to be changing their tactics and shifting to holding of people hostage after the series of hostages in Pakistani and India.

 

Journalists have been asked to be cautious when reporting the development of the attack because the militia could be monitoring the media. The group that claimed responsibility for this attack has been said to have previously recruited Americans in their militia group. This shows the dimension the Al-Qaeda affiliated group Al-Shabab was taking in recruiting young people to join their network.

US officials estimate that dozens of Americans have traveled to Somalia over the last six years where they have joined the Al-Shabab militia group. Kenyans have donated blood to help the victims and this has shown their solidarity in coping with the attack. The Westgate attack Nairobi has left the City in Shock but Kenyans are more united and strong despite the beastly attack. The Kenya Defense Force has said that it planning to end the siege soon. Security has been heightened around the country and in national borders and other towns.