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Gunmen Open Fire at Nairobi Mall Gunmen Open Fire at Nairobi Mall
(35 minutes later)
NAIROBI, Kenya — A group of armed men attacked an upscale shopping mall in Nairobi on Saturday, apparently killing at least five people and wounding dozens. NAIROBI, Kenya — A group of armed men attacked an upscale shopping mall in Nairobi on Saturday, killing at least 20 people, according to the Kenyan Red Cross, and wounding more than 50.
By midafternoon, police officers were swarming the mall and the gunmen were still inside, with reports that hostages had been taken.By midafternoon, police officers were swarming the mall and the gunmen were still inside, with reports that hostages had been taken.
Benson Kibue, the Nairobi police chief, said it was a terrorist attack and that there were probably no more than 10 gunmen involved, The Associated Press reported. Earlier, Mr. Kibue had said the attack was part of an attempted robbery. Benson Kibue, the Nairobi police chief, told The Associated Press that it was a terrorist attack and that there were probably no more than 10 gunmen involved. Earlier, Mr. Kibue had said the attack was part of an attempted robbery.
Agence France-Presse reported that the gunmen had taken at least seven hostages, citing the police and security guards at the scene. Agence France-Presse reported that the gunmen had taken at least seven hostages, citing police and security guards at the scene.
The police said that four people had been wounded but had not yet confirmed any fatalities. Gen. Abbas Guled, secretary general of the Kenyan Red Cross, said in a phone interview that 20 people had been killed and over 50 wounded. The police said four people had been wounded but had not yet confirmed any fatalities. Earlier, a news photographer reported seeing five bodies at the scene.
Witnesses described hearing explosions and gunfire as they fled the premises.Witnesses described hearing explosions and gunfire as they fled the premises.
Haron Mwachia, 20, a cleaner, said he escaped by climbing over a wall. Haron Mwachia, 20, a cleaner at the mall, said he escaped by climbing over a wall.
“I heard several gunshots managed to run away by climbing up a wall,” he said. “Two of my colleagues were shot at while trying to escape the scene. There was also an explosion which I suspect to have been a grenade.” “I heard several gunshots and managed to run away,” he said. “Two of my colleagues were shot at while trying to escape the scene. There was also an explosion, which I suspect to have been a grenade.”
Vivian Atieno, 26, who works on the first floor of the mall, described “intense shooting” before she escaped through a fire exit.Vivian Atieno, 26, who works on the first floor of the mall, described “intense shooting” before she escaped through a fire exit.
Stephen Opiyo, 25, was working at a supermarket there, said: “We heard gunshots and started running trying to find an escape route. I saw many people who had suffered gunshot injuries, and some have been taken away to hospital.” Stephen Opiyo, 25, who was working at a supermarket there, said: “We heard gunshots and started running, trying to find an escape route. I saw many people who had suffered gunshot injuries, and some have been taken away to hospital.”
Military helicopters hovered overhead as the police kept bystanders away from the scene.Military helicopters hovered overhead as the police kept bystanders away from the scene.
Witnesses described attackers using AK-47 rifles and throwing grenades. Photographs from the scene showed a woman’s bloody body being lifted out of a car, the glass of the window shattered.Witnesses described attackers using AK-47 rifles and throwing grenades. Photographs from the scene showed a woman’s bloody body being lifted out of a car, the glass of the window shattered.
The police said they had surrounded the mall, and they were seen clearing the shops one by one.The police said they had surrounded the mall, and they were seen clearing the shops one by one.
“Our officers are on the ground carrying out an evacuation of those inside as they search the attackers who are said to be inside,” Inspector General David Kimaiyo of the Kenyan Police said, according to Agence France-Presse. “Our officers are on the ground carrying out an evacuation of those inside as they search for the attackers, who are said to be inside,” Inspector General David Kimaiyo of the Kenyan police told Agence France-Presse.
While the authorities urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, for years there have been growing concerns that the Somali militant group Shabab would try to pull off another significant attack in the Kenyan capital. While the authorities urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, for years there have been growing concerns that the Shabab, the Somali militant group, would try to pull off a significant attack here in reprisal for Kenya’s deployment of troops in Somalia.
Saturday’s attack ruptured the bubble of safety that surrounds the affluent districts of the Kenyan capital.Saturday’s attack ruptured the bubble of safety that surrounds the affluent districts of the Kenyan capital.
On weekends the mall, called Westgate, is bustling with shoppers, including both well-to-do Kenyans and members of the city’s large expatriate community. On weekends the mall, called Westgate, is bustling with shoppers, including well-to-do Kenyans and expatriates, who make up a significant portion of the Nairobi population.
Many shopping malls in Nairobi have security guards outside, checking vehicles, searching bags and using metal-detecting wands on visitors before they enter. But the guards — lightly armed if at all — would be no match for assailants armed with automatic rifles.Many shopping malls in Nairobi have security guards outside, checking vehicles, searching bags and using metal-detecting wands on visitors before they enter. But the guards — lightly armed if at all — would be no match for assailants armed with automatic rifles.
Westgate has the feel of an American shopping mall, with a Converse store, a tapas restaurant and a Kids Corner where children can play while their parents shop and eat. Westgate is in many ways like an American shopping mall, with a Converse store, a tapas restaurant and a corner where children can play while their parents shop and eat.
The United States Embassy issued a warning on Saturday after the attack, advising residents “to avoid public venues in Nairobi.” The United States Embassy issued a warning on Saturday after the attack, advising Americans to avoid public venues in Nairobi.

Reuben Kyama reported from Nairobi, and Nicholas Kulish from Goma, Congo. Tyler Hicks contributed reporting from Nairobi.

Reuben Kyama reported from Nairobi, and Nicholas Kulish from Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. Tyler Hicks contributed reporting from Nairobi.