Extremists storm luxury hotel in Kenya; Al-Shabab claims responsibility
NAIROBI, Kenya - Somalia-based extremist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for an attack at an upscale hotel complex in Kenya's capital on Tuesday that left an unconfirmed number of people dead.
Authorities continue to search buildings hours after the assault began. Kenyan broadcaster NTV reported that more gunfire was heard around midnight, indicating that efforts to secure the complex might not be over.
The suspected terror attack at the complex in Nairobi's Westlands neighborhood — which includes a large hotel known as DusitD2, banks, and offices — began around 3 p.m. Tuesday with an explosion targeting three vehicles outside a bank.
A suicide bomber then blew up in the hotel lobby as people rushed to safety or took shelter inside the buildings, Kenyan National Police said in a statement.
"We regret to confirm that at approximately 3 p.m. today [Tuesday], a group of armed assailants attacked the Dusit Complex in a suspected terror attack," police said in a statement. "Security and emergency teams immediately responded to the incident and have cordoned off the area. The situation is being managed and residents are being screened and evacuated from the area."
With The Associated Press