Kenya Mall Shooting: At Least 59 Killed, 175 Injured in 'Senseless Act of Violence'

At least 30 hostages remain trapped inside an upscale mall in Nairobi, Kenya more than 24 hours after unsuspecting shoppers were met with a siege of terror when attackers dressed in black, wearing facemasks and vests, threw grenades and opened fire on unsuspecting crowds.

Kenya’s interior Cabinet secretary Joseph Lenku said at least 59 people were killed and at least 175 others were injured in the attack. While more than 1,000 people were rescued from the shopping center, Kenyan forces continue to swarm the mall are as a tense standoff ensues.

"The priority is to save as many lives as possible," Lenku said.

 

Four Americans are amongst the injured. Two victims -- including one child – remain hospitalized, the official said.

Three British nationals are confirmed dead in the attack, as French and Canadian officials said that their nations each had two citizens killed.

Officials say there are at least 10 to 15 gunmen involved. Initially it was believed the gang were armed robbers but it soon became clear the attackers were targeting non-Muslims.

"The gunmen told Muslims to stand up and leave. They were safe, and non-Muslims would be targeted," said witness Elijah Kamau who was shopping in the mall.

The gunmen hit one of the most upscale places in Nairobi.

The Westgate Mall is a destination for Kenya's elite. It bills itself as the city's premier mall, boasting that it offers customers a "first world interior" and a "safe and serene environment." It was opened in 2007 and has more than 80 stores.

Somalia's al-Qaidia-linked rebel group, al-Shabab, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that it was in retaliation for the 2011 involvement of Kenyan forces in their country to fight the Islamic insurgents.

"They're seeking to embarrass Kenya and get them to withdraw their troops," Associated Press reporter Jason Straziuso, who is currently in Nairobi, told ABC News."These hardcore terrorists know that this generates news in Europe and America."

MT. (my take)

So these people killed innocent children, parents, men and women just to send a message to Europe and America? What a senseless way to live life. What is the purpose, to what intent, at whose profit, what kind of name or reputation would it bring them? My God! save us from such oh Lord. May we never be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

These people just went into a mall to buy things and now some of them would never get home. What a shame, all in the name of what? Relig……. Shame!!!

Most of the hostages have been rescued and the majority of the mall secured, report has it.