Terror group known as al-Shabaab claims responsibility for 14 Riverside Drive, Nairobi attack

Security operations are currently underway to rescue people who have been taken hostage by the terrorists who descended on the property. Photo: UGC

Terror group known as al-Shabaab claims responsibility for 14 Riverside Drive, Nairobi attack

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Security operations are currently underway to rescue people taken hostage by the terrorists who descended on the building.

BREAKING: Al-Shabaab officially claims responsibility for the complex attack in Nairobi. Attack comes exactly three years after the deadly Al-Shabaab attack on Kenya military base in Somalia’s El-Adde town where about 140 Kenya soldiers were killed.

— Harun Maruf (@HarunMaruf) January 15, 2019

Reports have also indicated several people have lost their lives during the attack which was punctuated by heavy gunfire and explosions.

Eyewitnesses claim they saw about four people in military fatigues near DusitD2 hotel moments before the commotions.

Recce Squad is evacuating people from buildings adjacent to DusitD2 are currently underway even though one person has been confirmed dead.

The National Police specialised units are on site at 14 Riverside Drive to engage the attackers. Please utilise this channel for all official information and refrain from re-tweeting unconfirmed news.

— National Police Service-Kenya (@NPSOfficial_KE) January 15, 2019

 It is not clear if or not they were part of the attackers, clients or workers at DusitD2 hotel.

The police managed to isolate one vehicle believed to have been used by the attackers to access the area.

An apparent Terror attack at Dusit in Westlands. Explosion and Gunshots reported at 14 Riverside Drive. pic.twitter.com/N0KCB4SXvn

— BRAVIN™ (@ItsBravin) January 15, 2019

It is claimed one of the attackers hurled a grenade at the vehicles in the parking sparking the fire which consumed the three cars right in front of the hotel entrance. The area remains cordoned off even as police advises motorists to use alternative routes for easy rescue operations.