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Published On: Sun, Sep 22nd, 2013

al-Shabaab terrorist attack on mall in Nairobi Kenya leave 68 dead

Islamist militants were holding hostages on Sunday at a shopping mall in Nairobi, where at least 68 people were killed in an attack by the Somali al Shabaab group, which demanded that Kenya pull troops back from its neighbor.

Kenya map source/CIA

Kenya map source/CIA

A Reuters correspondent saw security personnel on the move after gunfire and, as dusk closed in, two helicopters swooped low over the Westgate shopping center, which has several Israeli-owned outlets and is frequented by prosperous Kenyans and foreigners.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta sought to reassure shaken Kenyans in an address to the nation just hours after the attack. The president condemned what he called the cowardly act and praised Kenyans for their solidarity in the face of the terrorist threat.

He continued, vowing to stand firm against Somali militants, but was cautious about the outcome, saying chances of the attackers being “neutralized” were “as good … as we can hope for”.

“Terrorism in and of itself is the philosophy of cowards. The way we lead our lives in freedom, unity and consideration for each other represents our victory over those who wish us ill.”

“We will punish the masterminds swiftly and painfully,” he said.

In addition to the dead, more than 175 people were wounded in an attack that began around the middle of the day on Saturday, when the mall was packed with customers.

Officials did not say how many hostages were being held, although one Kenyan television station cited a figure of 30.

Al-Shabaab posted messages on the Internet saying it carried out the assault in retaliation for Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia.

Al-Shabaab said it had warned in the past that Kenya’s military presence in Somalia would bring “severe consequences.” The militants said on Twitter that the bloodshed at the mall in Nairobi is only a “very tiny fraction” of the violence that has been inflicted on Muslims in Somalia.

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- Writer and Co-Founder of The Global Dispatch, Brandon has been covering news, offering commentary for years, beginning professionally in 2003 on Crazed Fanboy before expanding into other blogs and sites. Appearing on several radio shows, Brandon has hosted Dispatch Radio, written his first novel (The Rise of the Templar) and completed the three years Global University program in Ministerial Studies to be a pastor. To Contact Brandon email [email protected] ATTN: BRANDON

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  1. Kenya al-Shabaab attack: Nearly 50 confirmed killed, targeted Word Cup fans - The Global Dispatch says:

    […] assault is the worst since last September when al-Shabaab gunmen attacked Nairobi’s Westgate shopping mall, killing 67 […]

  2. Elaine Dang, California woman injured in Kenya mall terrorist attack, says she’s just ‘grateful to be alive’ - The Global Dispatch says:

    […] San Diego woman injured in a terrorist attack at a Kenya mall is speaking out about her […]

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