The siege at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi continues as Kenyan police attempt to re-take the mall from terrorists who attacked Saturday. Judging from the latest reports the police are close to taking back the mall.
The Kenya police live-tweeted today’s efforts to re-take the mall and get any remaining hostages out safely:
We would like to confirm that, the official record of those who died because of the cruel act stands at 62.
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
We have beefed security at all entry points across the country and we urge the public to remain calm and vigilant & carry on with their biz
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
Through our operations this morning, we have killed 2 terrorists and we will be giving you finer details going forward.
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
The process is taking longer than expected in order to ensure that the safety of the remaining hostages & the security personnel is ok.
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
The security forces are in control of the entire West Gate building and we are doing what must be done to end this.
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
We URGE the public to wait for official communication from CS @joelenku and to STOP any form of speculations, PLEASE. cc @InteriorKE
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
Kandie: I would like to to assure our international visitors and tourists they are safe #WestgateAttack. via @InteriorKE
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
SECURITY ALERT: Keep off Westgate Mall at all costs. RT via @InteriorKE
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
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Appealing to Kenyans to stay away from Westgate. This is a serious security alert. Please stay away. Pls RT
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
Update: We ask all officers dealing with vital identification documents to be very very careful. via @InteriorKE
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
We're appealing to Kenyans to remain calm, security team is doing everything possible to ensure that the hostages/team are safe.
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
We are appealing to Media to avoid showing photos of our @kdfinfo soldiers. Kindly, Only tweet what you are absolutely sure about #Westgate
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
KDF has dominated all floors of Westgate Mall building. Troops are now concentrating on clearing the building via @kdfinfo
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
We can confirm that 3 terrorists have been killed so far, a few others have suffered injuries via @kdfinfo
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
Regrettably, 11 KDF soldiers have been injured in this operation and are receiving medical attention at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
Chances of any terrorists sneaking and escaping are very slim. KDF troops have sealed all possible escape routes via @kdfinfo
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
We have taken control of all the floors. We're not here to feed the attackers with pastries but to finish and punish them via @IGkimaiyo
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
Update: We've arrested more than 10 individuals for questioning in relation to the #WestgateAttack via @InteriorKE
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
Over 200 civilians hav been rescued with 65 receiving treatment in various hospitals. Unfortunately 62 have been confirmed dead via @kdfinfo
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
We hail the efforts of the brave and selfless men and women who are putting their lives on the line in the Defence of our country.
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
We appeal to Kenyans to remain calm&report any suspicious looking individuals or activities to the nearest security agencies of the Govt
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
The fire at #Westgate has been contained by firefighters via @InteriorKE
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
Our Multi-Agencies have gunned down 2 & injured several others. I commend the officers for their bravery & the public for its calmness. IG
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
We're expecting our Deputy President @WilliamsRuto any time from now. The President, DP and KE's top security chiefs are appealing for calm.
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
Via @Nakumatt: As part of our crisis management, we've successfully concluded a physical headcount for all Nakumatt Westgate branch staff.
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
Police are also trying to keep the “gawker factor” from becoming a problem:
ALERT; W e urge all curious onlookers to KEEP AWAY from West Gate for their own safety. PLS RT
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
Authorities are also appealing to the public for any information that might help in their investigation:
We URGE all those who may have witnessed happenings or taken graphic images #Westgate Mall to pass them to us on 0729999988, urgently.IG
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013
@PoliceKE @samshei kindly share with the government. They might be of help to arrest those buggerz and bring this to a close
— The General (@Muiruri_Andrew) September 23, 2013
Twitchy will keep you posted on this story as updates are available.
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