Somalia-based extremist group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for an attack at an upscale hotel complex in Kenya’s capital on Monday that sent people fleeing from the scene shortly after explosions and gunfire erupted.
The group said its fighters were still inside the complex in Nairobi’s Westlands neighborhood, which includes a large hotel known as DusitD2, banks and offices. Photos from the scene showed several vehicles on fire and some people being carried from the scene.
Al-Shabab claimed responsibility on Monday for the attack at an upscale hotel complex in Kenya’s capital Nairobi.
Kenya Police Service confirmed there was an attack in the area, but did not provide further details of the number of people injured or killed.
“We wish to confirm that there has been an attack incident along 14 Riverside Drive. The area has since been cordoned off,” the tweet read. “Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to facilitate smooth operations of the Police.”
Authorities later said they were at the scene to “engage the attackers.”
Witnesses said they saw four armed men entering the complex, the BBC reported. Several people who worked in the buildings that were under attack told Reuters some of their colleagues were still inside hiding under desks.
Al-Shabab said its fighters were still inside the complex in Nairobi’s Westlands neighborhood.
“It is terrible. What I have seen is terrible. I have seen a human as I ran out and there is what looks like mincemeat all over,” said Charles Njenga, who was running from the scene.
“I have been hiding. My colleagues were running everywhere,” another man said, adding that he hid in his office. “I didn’t see an attacker. Yeah, it was a terrorist attack. I think so.”
Security forces are seen at the scene of a blast in Nairobi. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a security alert shortly after reports of the attack emerged.
“#Kenya Security Alert: Reports of gunfire and explosions in the vicinity of the Dusit II Hotel, in the Westlands neighborhood of #Nairobi. Notify friends & family of your safety. Avoid the area & move or remain in known safe areas until further notice,” the alert stated.
Tuesday’s incident comes on the third anniversary of the battle of El Adde, when al-Shabab extremists launched an assault at a Kenyan military base in Somalia, killing scores of people.
