Tuesday, 24 September 2013

PICTURES: Westgate Attack Rescue Operation

A security officer points out the location of where some of the terrorists may be hiding to his colleagues, all three of whom have their pistols at the ready

Heavy gunfire and explosions have been heard at the shopping centre in Nairobi where militants are said to be holding a number of hostages.

Kenya security personnel take cover outside the Westgate Mall after shooting started inside the mall early Monday morning, Sept. 23, 2013

Sixty-eight people have been killed and more than 170 injured since the attack began in Kenya’s capital on Saturday.
Between 10 and 15 attackers – thought to be militants from the Somali al-Shabab movement – are still inside the Westgate shopping centre.

A soldier directs people up stairs inside the Westgate shopping mall after a shootout in Nairobi, Kenya

Reporters at the scene said there had been heavy and rapid bursts of fire.

An unnamed Kenyan security source told the AFP news agency that an army assault was underway.

Hostages of all nationalities head for the exit with their arms raised to show they are not carrying any weapons

An AFP correspondent at the scene said he heard about 15 minutes of fierce gunfire which then subsided.

Shots are still being heard in the mall as police and terrorists engage in a stand-off

The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Monday morning it was adjourning the trial of Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto on charges relating to violence following elections in 2007.