Al-Shabab claims responsibility for terror attack at upscale Kenyan hotel complex

Al-Shabab claims responsibility for terror attack at upscale Kenyan hotel complex

Somalia-based extremist group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for an attack at an upscale hotel complex in Kenya’s capital on Monday that sent people fleeing from the scene shortly after explosions and gunfire erupted. The group said its fighters were still inside the complex in Nairobi's Westlands neighborhood, which includes a large hotel known as DusitD2, banks and offices. Photos from the scene showed several vehicles on fire and some people being carried from the scene. NEW AL QAEDA CELL FORMS IN BURKINA FASO, AS TERROR GROUP CEMENTS FOOTHOLD IN AFRICA This frame taken from video shows a scene of an explosion in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, Tuesday Jan. 15, 2019. Gunfire and explosions were reported near an upscale hotel complex. This frame taken from video shows a scene of an explosion in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, Tuesday Jan. 15, 2019. Gunfire and explosions were reported near an upscale hotel complex. (AP Photo/Josphat Kasire) Kenya Police Service confirmed there was an attack in the area, but did not provide further details of the number of people injured or killed. “We wish to confirm that there has been an attack incident along 14 Riverside Drive. The area has since been cordoned off,” the tweet read. “Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to facilitate smooth operations of the Police.” Authorities later said they were at the scene to "engage the attackers." US AIRSTRIKE WIPED OUT AL-SHABAB CAMP, INTEL OFFICIALS SAY Security forces are seen at the scene of a blast in Nairobi. Security forces are seen at the scene of a blast in Nairobi. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) Witnesses said they saw four armed men entering the complex, the BBC reported. Several people who worked in the buildings that were under attack told Reuters some of their colleagues were still inside hiding under desks. "It is terrible. What I have seen is terrible. I have seen a human as I ran out and there is what looks like minced meat all over," said Charles Njenga, who was running from the scene. "I have been hiding. My colleagues were running everywhere," another man said, adding that he hid in his office. "I didn't see an attacker. Yeah, it was a terrorist attack. I think so." The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a security alert shortly after reports of the attack emerged. CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP "#Kenya Security Alert: Reports of gunfire and explosions in the vicinity of the Dusit II Hotel, in the Westlands neighborhood of #Nairobi. Notify friends & family of your safety. Avoid the area & move or remain in known safe areas until further notice," the alert stated. Tuesday's incident comes on the third anniversary of the battle of El Adde, when al-Shabab extremists launched an assault at a Kenyan military base in Somalia, killing scores of people. The Associate