Westgate shopping mall attack

On 21 September 2013, ten gunmen attacked Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya. The attack lasted until 24 September. The attackers held hostages and later fought in gun battles with Kenyan security forces. A total of 72 people were killed, including 61 civilians, 6 Kenyan soldiers and 5 attackers. Over 200 people were injured.

Westgate shopping mall attack
Westgate shopping mall attack
Smoke over Westgate shopping mall on 23 September 2013
Location Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya
Coordinates 1°15′25″S 36°48′12″E / 1.25694°S 36.80333°E / -1.25694; 36.80333Coordinates: 1°15′25″S 36°48′12″E / 1.25694°S 36.80333°E / -1.25694; 36.80333
Date 21 September 2013 (2013-09-21)
~12:00–12:30 on 21–24 September (UTC+3)
Attack type Mass shooting, hostage crisis, siege
Weapon(s) AK-47s[1]
Grenades
Deaths 67 victims
5 attackers
Injured 175[2]
Perpetrator(s) Al-Shabaab

The Islamist group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.[3] It said that it was in retaliation for the Kenyan military's role in the Somali Civil War. Newly released intelligence report named Kenyan commander and chief in attack.[4]

Westgate Shopping Mall Attack Media

References

  1. Blair, Edmund (21 September 2013). Islamists claim gun attack on Nairobi mall, at least 39 dead. https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/21/us-kenya-attack-idUSBRE98K03V20130921. Retrieved 22 September 2013. 
  2. "Kenyan military frees most hostages at mall". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 23 September 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2013.
  3. "Kenya forces deployed at Nairobi shopping mall after gunfire". The Malay Mail Online. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  4. Kenyan militant commander named as target of US Somali raid