Kenya: stop at a luxury hotel in Nairobi claiming at least 15 dead

At least 15 people were killed in the alleged Islamist attack in a hotel complex in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. AFP and AP press agencies report, citing police.

But the exact number of victims could be even higher: the security forces were not able to search the entire building complex due to ongoing fighting. Local media had previously reported from one to at least six dead and about 30 wounded.

Among those killed were also foreigners, a police representative said. A US State Department official confirmed that at least one American citizen was killed in the assassination attempt claimed by the Shabab terrorist organization. The group, which is mainly active in Somalia, is connected to the Al Qaeda terrorist network.

The conference should have been moved to the last minute

Perhaps the attackers also targeted foreigners. A conference organized by the Americans had been the goal of the attack, reported the dpa news agency, citing the police. The event should have been originally held in the luxury hotel attached, but the place had been changed at the last minute. A confirmation for this information does not exist so far.

Video: stop at a luxury hotel

The terrorist attacks continued in Kenya, especially since the Kenyan armed forces have supported neighboring Somalia since 2011 as part of an African Union (AU) mission to fight the Shabaab militia. The Islamic terrorist group Shabaab has been trying for years to increase its influence through attacks. They control large parts of southern and central Somalia.

Ministry: "All buildings and surroundings are safe"

The television images of the current attack in Kenya have shown burning cars. The injured people were taken away from the scene. In the beginning, according to the police, there was an explosion in front of the hotel complex. Later, a striker in the hotel foyer blew himself up, several shots were fired.

Some of the victims had been surprised by the attackers, according to a report by the Reuters news agency in the Secret Garden restaurant. They collapsed at their tables. Again, there is no confirmation. However, Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to address people in the morning with an address on the attack.

The hotel is located near the Westgate shopping center, where at least 67 people died in a terrorist attack in 2013. According to a dpa journalist, gunshots and explosions could still be heard throughout the complex in a relatively wealthy neighborhood. Nairobi at the beginning of Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, the interior ministry said that the civilians protected by security guards in a building had been rescued. "All buildings and the environment are safe."