Kenya: Hotel complex siege over in Nairobi January 16 /update 4

Event

During a national television address early in the morning of Wednesday, January 16 (local time), President Uhuru Kenyatta, announced that the assailants behind the DusitD2 hotel complex attack were killed and the 19-hour hostage crisis was over. On Tuesday, January 15, at approximately 15:00, Al-Shabaab militants launched a complex attack against the hotel and complex, killing at least 14 people and wounding several others. More than 700 civilians were evacuated from the complex. However, security forces continue to secure the scene of the attack. Several establishments popular with Westerners announced on Tuesday they had closed until further notice for security reasons. A heightened security presence is expected in Nairobi in the coming hours and days, particularly near the site of the attack.

Context

Gunmen attacked the DusitD2 hotel complex in the Westlands area of Nairobi on January 15, detonating an explosive device in the parking lot, carrying out a suicide bombing in the foyer, and firing indiscriminately on individuals in the hotel complex. The terrorist group Al-Shabaab later issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. Early in the morning of January 16, two groups of people were still trapped inside, and gunfire were still heard around the complex in Riverside Drive.

Advice

Individuals in Nairobi are advised to continue avoiding the affected area, monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.