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| Islamic gunmen attack Westgate mall in Nairobi - Goran Tomasevic/Reuters |
September 21, 2013 — The armed group al-Shabab has claimed it has killed over 100 people in a Naroibi shopping center Saturday evening, in one of the largest attacks on Kenyan soil in recent years.
According to their spokesperson on Twitter, the militants attacked the mall for what they say is retribution for the innocent Muslim lives shelled by Kenyan jets in Lower Juba.
The group says it only attacked "Kuffar" (non-Muslims) and says its fighters will not accept any negotiations with the Kenyan government.
Local reports indicate at least 500 people have been shot and 24 killed, while hundreds are being held captive by the militant group.
Westgate mall is Kenya's most upscale shopping center. Many expats and foreigners frequent the mall which likely made it an idle target for the group.
Since our last contact, the Mujahideen inside the mall confirmed to @HSM_Press that they killed over 100 Kenyan kuffar & battle is ongoing
— HSM Press Office (@HSM_Press) September 21, 2013
The attacks are just retribution for the lives of innocent Muslims shelled by Kenyan jets in Lower Jubba and in refugee camps #Westgate
— HSM Press Office (@HSM_Press) September 21, 2013
Only Kuffar were singled out for this attack. All Muslims inside #Westgate were escorted out by the Mujahideen before beginning the attack
— HSM Press Office (@HSM_Press) September 21, 2013
They Kenyan govt is pleading with our Mujahideen inside the mall for negotiations. There will be no negotiations whatsoever at #Westgate
— HSM Press Office (@HSM_Press) September 21, 2013