Islamists claim gun attack on Nairobi mall, 39 dead
Updated: 2013-09-22 04:36
(Agencies/Xinhua)
|
|||||||||
Paramedics help an injured victim after a shooting spree at Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi September 21, 2013. [Agencies] |
TERRIFIED SHOPPERS
The shopping centre includes a number of Israeli-owned businesses, though it was not immediately clear if these had been targeted specifically. At least four Israeli nationals escaped the assault, one with light wounds.
"As of now, this appears to be an internal Kenyan incident, that is, a terrorist attack but not one that specifically targeted Israelis," an Israeli Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.
One eyewitness who identified himself as Taha said he had heard the screech of brakes followed moments later by an explosion, and then sustained gunfire from the ground floor.
Satpal Singh, 36, who was in a cafe on the mall's top floor, said he ran downstairs when he heard the gunfire and was shot at near the mall's main exit.
"A Somali guy shot at me. The guy who shot me was carrying a rifle, an AK-47."
Some shoppers ran up stairs and escalators and hid around the mall's cinema complex. Police found another terrified group hiding in a toilet on the first floor.
Some wounded were wheeled out on stretchers and shopping trolleys. Other walked out, some with bloodied clothing wrapped around wounds. Dozens of wounded were ferried away by ambulance.
Police cordoned off the roads surrounding the mall in central Nairobi's Westlands neighbourhood.
"I personally touched the eyes of four people and they were dead. One of them was a child," said one former British soldier at the scene. "It's carnage up there."
- In pictures: Nairobi mall shooting spree
- Liaoning carrier completes its furthest sea trial
- China, US applaud improvement of military ties
- Two family-style eateries are where animals roam
- China braces for super typhoon Usagi
- Islamists claim gun attack on Nairobi mall, 39 dead
- In the best possible taste?
- Action pledged for new type of Sino-US ties
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
New energy solutions |
Xinjiang scores on the national stage at last |
Watchdog bites with no favor |
Happily ever after until the divorce |
Africa looks to the Orient for lessons |
Private push |
Today's Top News
China braces for super typhoon Usagi
Explosive criminal cases drop in China
New Sino-US ties sought
Trending news across China
Bo Xilai verdict to be announced
Islamists claim gun attack in Nairobi
China sees drop in donations
Charges against Saudi princess in US dismissed
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |