GLOBALPOST LIVE BLOG: TERROR AT NAIROBI MALL

UPDATE: 9/24/13 3:00 PM ET

Signing off

This live blog is now closed.

UPDATE: 9/24/13 2:00 PM ET

Al Shabaab, on the offensive

Tristan McConnell, who is in Nairobi, reported on Al Shabaab's resurgence:

The brazen assault — which is the worst terrorist incident in Kenya since the 1998 US embassy bombing — suggests Al Shabaab is no longer on the back foot, and raised questions about Kenya’s ability to defend itself against Islamist militants.

Kenya contributes roughly 4,000 troops to the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, and Al Shabaab spokesmen have referenced their presence in Somalia as the reason for the attack.

“The attack is a clear statement of intent [to carry out an international attack] and capacity,” said Cedric Barnes, Nairobi-based Horn of Africa director at the International Crisis Group think tank in Brussels.

Somalia’s government, which struggles to control the capital Mogadishu, insists the group is defeated following a push from African Union peacekeepers, including Kenyan troops, to rout Al Shabaab from certain strongholds.

At various times since 2006, the group has ruled over large swathes of the country.

Read the full report: With fresh Kenya attack, is Somalia's Al Qaeda affiliate stronger than ever?

UPDATE: 9/24/13 1:10 PM ET

Kenyan president declares three days of mourning

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said security forces had defeated "terrorists" after a four day siege in Nairobi, according to the Associated Press.

In a television address, Kenyatta said, "we have shamed and defeated our attackers."

As for casualties, Kenyatta said the four-day attack on the Westgate mall left 72 dead, including 61 civilians, six security forces and five "terrorists."

"Fellow Kenyans, we have been badly hurt and feel great pain and loss, but we have been brave, united and strong. Kenya has stared down great evil and triumphed," he said.

He said 11 were in custody.

Pres. Kenyatta says bodies still trapped at Westgate shopping complex after 3 floors collapsed during security operation.

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 24, 2013

Kenyatta: I have declared three days of national mourning from tomorrow.

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 24, 2013

UPDATE: 9/24/13 11:10 AM ET

Kenyan president to address nation

President @UKenyatta to make a televised address to the nation at 6.30pm today.

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 24, 2013

UPDATE: 9/24/13 8:30 AM ET

Approaching 'the very end'

Kenyan security forces have been saying for the past few hours that they have almost completed the operation to secure the Westgate mall.

We appeal for patience, our security forces @PoliceKE and @kdfinfo are mopping out the building, do wait for an official communique.

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 24, 2013

Meanwhile city morgues have been warned to prepare for a large influx of bodies, an official told the Associated Press.

BREAKING: Nairobi's city morgue preparing for arrival of large number of bodies, official tells The AP. http://t.co/zwZMWpTKWg – VW

— The Associated Press (@AP) September 24, 2013

The AP posted a clip of explosions heard on Tuesday morning near the mall:

UPDATE: 9/24/13 4:10 AM ET

Al Shabaab claims it still has hostages

The Al Shabaab Islamist group claims, via its new and supposedly verified Twitter account, to be holding hostages alive inside the Westgate mall. There's no way of confirming that information.

The hostages who were being held by the Mujahideen inside #Westgate are still alive, looking quite disconcerted but, nevertheless, alive

— HSM Press Office (@HSM_PR) September 24, 2013

Of course, it could be a cynical attempt to prevent Kenyan security forces going in with all guns blazing.

The Kenya Defense Forces tweeted:

KDF continue to neutralize terrorist threat, troops now in mop up operations in the building. More to follow

— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) September 24, 2013

UPDATE: 9/24/13 3:40 AM ET

Latest toll: 62 dead, 63 missing

Here's a round-up of the latest figures, as given on the verified Twitter accounts of the Kenyan government, defense forces and the Red Cross:

— Dead: 62

— Missing: 63

— Wounded: more than 170, with 65 in hospital

— Rescued: over 200

— Security forces injured: 11

— Attackers killed: 3

UPDATE: 9/24/13 3:00 AM ET

Americans, Brit among attackers: Kenyan minister

Kenya's foreign minister has repeated reports that Westerners were among the hostage takers.

In an interview in New York with PBS Newshour, Amina Mohamed said that "from the information that we have," two or three American men and one British woman took part in the attack.

The Briton has "done this many times before," Mohamed said. The Americans are thought to be between 18 and 19 years old and of Somali or Arab origin, she said. At least one is thought to have lived in Minnesota.

It is not clear whether Mohamed's statements were based on a list published on Twitter that claimed to name the attackers. That list has since been disowned by Somalia's Al Shabaab group, which has claimed responsibility for the Westgate attack, and the Twitter account it was posted on has been blocked.

Other Kenyan officials have said, however, that all the attackers were male, indicating that information on the suspects remains unconfirmed and contradictory at this stage.

Mohamed said that Kenyan, US and UK intelligence services were investigating. The US State Department is aware of the reports but has "no definitive evidence of the nationalities or the identities" of the attackers, a spokeswoman said Monday, according to the AP. British officials have not yet commented.

Watch her interview here:

UPDATE: 9/24/13 2:15 AM ET

Kenyan forces control mall, but operation 'not yet over'

Security forces have taken control of all stories of the Westgate mall, according to the inspector general of Kenya's police force, David Kimaiyo.

Taken control of all the floors. We're not here to feed the attackers with pastries but to finish and punish them. IG

— David Kimaiyo (@IGkimaiyo) September 23, 2013

Kenyan troops have now turned their focus to clearing the building. Authorities say that the area remains a "crime scene" and are warning the public to stay away.

Westgate remains a crime scene, keep off the area. Roads leading to this mall have been cordoned off.

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 24, 2013

It's not clear what has become of the attackers. The Kenya Defense Forces said that three had been killed "so far" and others injured, while those remaining had little chance of escape.

Chances of any terrorists sneaking and escaping are very slim. KDF troops have sealed all possible escape routes

— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) September 23, 2013

Reporters at the scene say that gunfire continues, indicating that at least some hostage takers are alive and still dangerous.

Some explosions and gunfire still audible from #Westgate Mall as military operation to end siege and clear building continues today

— Tristan McConnell (@t_mcconnell) September 24, 2013

More gunfire outside #westgate a commander tells me they are still clearing the area. The operation is "not yet over"

— Karen Allen (@BBCKarenAllen) September 24, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 5:20 PM ET

Government "believes" all hostages have been released

"Our forces are combing the mall floor by floor looking for anyone left behind. We believe all hostages have been released" cc @MEsipisu

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 23, 2013

However, correspondents on the ground from BBC and AP say the security operation is still ongoing.

The BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse said, "We still don't have a clear picture of what's going on inside the building."

UPDATE: 9/23/13 5:10 PM ET

Conflicting reports

While the Kenyan interior ministry and Kenyan police have tweeted that the situation is over, the Associated Press' Nairobi-based correspondent tweeted:

Security official tells me: Clear hostages are still in #Westgate. If there weren't this thing would be completely over already.

— Jason Straziuso (@jstraziuso) September 23, 2013

"We think that everyone, the hostages, have been evacuated but we don't want to take any chances," government spokesman Manoah Esipisu said, as quoted by the BBC. "The special forces are doing their job and yes, I think we are near the end."

The Kenyan police tweeted:

We are in charge of the #WestGate situation and more updates will be coming your way. #WeAreOne

— Kenya Police (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 4:58 PM ET

Kenyan government is "in control"

The Kenyan interior ministry's Twitter account just said simply:

We're in control of #Westgate

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 4:45 PM ET

Reports of siege "nearing end"

An unknown number of hostages are still believed to be in the Westgate mall, but AFP tweeted this update (which GlobalPost cannot independently verify at this time):

BREAKING: Nairobi mall siege 'nearing the end', govt spokesman tells @AFP

— Agence France-Presse (@AFP) September 23, 2013

BREAKING: All hostages believed evacuated from Nairobi mall: govt spokesman tells @AFP

— AFP Africa (@AFPAfrica) September 23, 2013

And Al Jazeera America reported this (which is also not independently confirmed):

BREAKING: Kenyan foreign minister tells Al Jazeera Nairobi mall attack the work of al-Qaeda, not al-Shabab

— Al Jazeera America (@ajam) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 4:00 PM ET

"The attack started with a huge bang"

Tristan McConnell filed a report from the scene in Nairobi, including this eye witness account:

Architect Naeem Bivji, 34, was sitting on the roadside terrace at the Art Caffe restaurant with his wife and 7-month-old baby when the assault began around lunchtime Saturday.

“The attack started with a huge bang,” he said. “We could feel the blast wave and dived to the ground. A man a couple of tables away, a big guy, a bit older and a little slow to move was shot in the chest right in front of us.”

Hiding beneath the restaurant tables, the terrified customers tried to make sense of what was happening around them, Bivji said.

“People were saying it might be a drive-by or a robbery but we thought it was something more,” he said. “We waited on the ground for a few seconds then, as the shooting got louder inside the building, we crawled into the corner where there was a little stairwell and a fire escape.”

For the next 40 minutes, Bivji and his wife and young child huddled together, waiting for a chance to dash for safety.

Then, during a lull in the shooting, Bivji and his wife, clutching their infant daughter, clambered off the terrace and escaped.

Read the full report: "Nairobi attack survivors hid for hours, waiting to die"

UPDATE: 9/23/13 3:20 PM ET

As many as six Britons killed

British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted:

I've just chaired a meeting of COBRA-tragically the latest reports are that 6 British nationals have been killed in the Kenya terror attacks

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 2:45 PM ET

Obama calls attack a "terrible outrage"

President Obama called the attack on the Westgate mall a "terrible outrage," while meeting Nigerian President Jonathan Goodluck in New York Monday.

"We stand with them against this terrible outrage that occurred," he said, adding that the United States was cooperating with Kenya on the matter.

Goodluck said, "I feel the pain of President Kenyatta … terror anywhere is terror on all of us," according to Reuters.

Obama also offered "whatever law enforcement support that is necessary" to his Kenyan counterpart, according to Agence France-Presse.

UPDATE: 9/23/13 2:40 PM ET

Witness: "We were let down by the police"

From Nairobi, Tristan McConnell reports:

Satpal Singh, a Kenyan of Indian descent, was enjoying a cup of coffee with friends at the Java Coffee House on the mall’s upper floor when the attack began.

“I heard explosions and then shooting,” he said.

Knowing that the mall was full of families and children, Singh began looking for ways to get people out. He bravely rushed downstairs, towards the shooting. On one floor, Singh found a police officer with an assault rifle hiding behind a pillar.

“To our dismay, the uniformed officers did not assist us,” he said. “Civilians risked their lives to help people but one officer we found was just crouching behind a pillar holding his gun.”

“He had a weapon and would not use it,” he said.

#Kenya soldiers outside #Westgate mall as siege continues. @Reuters photo by Thomas Mukoya. http://t.co/m0cBhpMKuG pic.twitter.com/Dic8av7vd4

— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 2:10 PM ET

Ruto: "We will defeat them"

Kenyan Deputy President Ruto, given permission by the ICC to return to Kenya during this time of crisis, spoke about the Westgate attack, saying, "We have answered cowardice with solid courage."

The Interior Ministry tweeted his remarks:

Ruto: Terrorists can and MUST be fought mercilessly, I'll continue to pray for all of you to find solace in the peace of God.

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 23, 2013

Ruto: We will defeat them. We will defeat them. They do not deserve to be alive in the 21st Century.

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 23, 2013

Ruto: Security Forces are in the last stage of flushing out the Terrorists.

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 1:55 PM ET

Reactions to attack and condemnation of Al Shabaab

A joint statement from the European Council and European Commission sought to reaffirm their support of Kenya.

Joint message on Kenya attack

According to Reuters, the White House said the United States has been concerned about the terrorist group's efforts to recruit Americans but has no confirmation of any US citizens being involved in the attack.

A reporter for The Washington Post tweeted:

State Department official, on background, says US govt has "provided technical support and some equipment to assist Kenyan security forces."

— Craig Whitlock (@CraigMWhitlock) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 1:25 PM ET

'Little Mogadishu' in Kenya

Nairobi-based Tristan McConnell reports:

Al Shabaab, or "The Youth" in Arabic, is known to have recruited foreign fighters from places like Afghanistan, Chechnya, Europe and the US.

But the majority of the group’s foreign recruits come from Kenya, analysts say, drawn from Muslim communities in Eastleigh, the capital’s Somali enclave, and along the coastal strip and arid northeast.

Residents of Eastleigh, which is nicknamed “Little Mogadishu,” told Reuters they fear a backlash following this latest attack.

There is no evidence that ethnic Somalis, or Somali migrants or refugees from Kenya, participated in the attack. But according to Cedric Barnes, Horn of Africa project director for the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, the Somali community in Eastleigh, which has suffered decades of discrimination and neglect, “is a breeding ground for Al Shabaab.”

Barnes says the biggest source of recruitment for Al Shabaab comes from foreign intervention in Somalia.

Read the full report: "Al Qaeda-style militants draw Kenyan recruits"

UPDATE: 9/23/13 12:55 PM ET

A message of unity from the president

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said, via the Interior Ministry's Twitter account:

We are a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural society. Our diversity is also our strength ~ President Uhuru Kenyatta.

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 23, 2013

As your president,as a leader and as a Kenyan,I feel the pain of every life we've lost,share your grief at our nation's loss~ Pres Kenyatta.

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 23, 2013

To those who have suffered physical and psychological wounds I offer words of comfort andencouragement. ~ President Kenyatta.

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 23, 2013

Coming from most leaders, a call for unity and calm would seem natural at a time like this.

However, Kenyatta himself has faced accusations from the International Criminal Court of financing death squads during the election violence that broke out in 2007. He has been accused of crimes against humanity, including murder, rape and forcible transfer, according to The New York Times.

His deputy, William Ruto, was to face the ICC, but was given permission to return to Kenya for a week in the wake of the Westgate attack.

UPDATE: 9/23/13 12:00 PM ET

Amid the terror, the good Samaritans

A spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency in East Africa tweeted:

Something I never saw in 30 yrs as journalist: civilians bringing food, coffee to journalists covering #Nairobi's #Westgate siege. Amazing!

— Kitty McKinsey (@KittyMcKinsey) September 23, 2013

Good samaritans giving food to the Journalists at #WestgateMallAttack pic.twitter.com/bVU5ws1PdY via @brianbaraka #WeAreOne

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) September 23, 2013

I have just donated blood at the university of Nairobi graduation centre. Very impressed with Kenyans unity of purpose. We are unbwogable.

— Jimnah Mbaru (@JimnahMbaru) September 23, 2013

The Kenyan police called for responsible behavior:

We urge all Kenyans online to be responsible in your engagement. Any tribal/racial slurs will not be tolerated. @IGkimaiyo @InteriorKE

— Kenya Police (@PoliceKE) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 11:40 AM ET

More than 10 arrests connected to Westgate

The Kenyan Interior Ministry tweeted:

Update: We've arrested more than 10 individuals for questioning in relation to the #WestgateAttack

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 23, 2013

Our forces, the multi-agencies team, are in control of all the floors at #Westgate the fire is being contained.

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 23, 2013

Mike Pflanz is a journalist based in Kenya:

TV shot shows #Westgate fire coming from far rear of building. Majority of mall not alight pic.twitter.com/zQvWaaboS7

— Mike Pflanz (@MikePflanz) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 11:35 AM ET

The victims, remembered

Information has slowly been trickling in about some of those who lost in the attack on Westgate mall in Nairobi.

The number of Britons killed in the attack has risen to four since Sunday.

The Briton added to the death toll was an architect, Ross Langdon. His Dutch wife, Elif Yavuz, who was heavily pregnant, was also killed in the attack.

AFP reported: "The pair were expecting their first child in two weeks, and Adams said malaria specialist Yavuz, 33, had recently met Bill Clinton through her work with the Gates Foundation in Kenya."

Ruhila Adatia-Sood, another victim in the attack, was a Kenyan, married to a USAid employee in Nairobi. She was six months pregnant with the couple's first child, according to BBC News.

A Canadian diplomat, a Ghanian poet and a former deputy head of the UN's Kenyan branch of the children's fund were also among the dead.

BBC News has a comprehensive list of victims as their identities are released.

UPDATE: 9/23/13 11:20 AM ET

Updates from the defense forces

KDF has dominated all floors of Westgate Mall building. Troops are now concentrating on clearing the building

— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) September 23, 2013

Over 200 civilians have been rescued with 65 receiving treatment in various hospitals. Unfortunately 62 have been confirmed dead

— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) 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 Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) 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 Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 11:05 AM ET

Defense Forces claim 3 terrorists killed

We can confirm that 3 terrorists have been killed so far, a few others have suffered injuries

— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 10:55 AM ET

Support from Rwanda, US

Paul Kagame, Rwanda's president, has offered his Kenyan counterpart support:

We stand in solidarity with our Kenyan brothers & sisters against terror. Spoke with President @UKenyatta to offer our condolences

— Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) September 22, 2013

Kenya should not feel alone – the region, African and the world are with you. The Kenyan spirit is strong and will prevail

— Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) September 22, 2013

US President Barack Obama also contacted Kenyatta on Sunday.

"President Obama called President Kenyatta of Kenya this morning to express condolences to the government and people of Kenya for the terrorist attack carried out by al-Shabaab yesterday on the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi," said the White House in a statement. "President Obama reiterated US support for Kenya's efforts to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice."

So far, five Americans are thought to be among the injured, though no Americans were reported among the dead.

UPDATE: 9/23/13 10:45 AM ET

Al Shabaab's spokesman defends attack

Al Jazeera spoke with Al Shabaab's spokesman for military operations, Sheikh Abulaziz Abu Muscab.

Asked why Al Shabaab attacked Nairobi, he responded:

"We have been late in attacking Nairobi. We did not attack before because they were expecting us to attack. Our aim is to attack our enemy when they least expect us to attack. This time they were not expecting us to attack. We choose when to attack, and best time to attack."

On the chosen location of the attack, the spokesman said:

"The place we attacked is Westgate shopping mall. It is a place where tourists from across the world come to shop, where diplomats gather. It is a place where Kenya's decision-makers go to relax and enjoy themselves. Westgate is a place where there are Jewish and American shops. So we have to attack them."

Read the full interview at Al Jazeera.

UPDATE: 9/23/13 10:40 AM ET

2 terrorists killed: Interior Ministry

The Kenyan Interior Ministry's Twitter account tweeted the following update:

Update: Our team has managed to kill two terrorists so far.

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 23, 2013

The account has been tweeting messages of unity with the hashtag #WeAreOne

#WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/UWEY9jBdxj

— InteriorCNG Ministry (@InteriorKE) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 10:20 AM ET

AFP journalist witnesses the chaos

Nairobi-based Nichole Sobecki, who works for Agence France-Presse, was able to gain access to the Westgate mall after the attack started.

Her account:

"I've covered many conflicts before, including Somalia, Libya and Afghanistan — so am used to seeing scenes of violence. But to find this taking place in a mall I know well, just minutes from my home, was completely surreal.

"Arriving at the scene, people were running from the mall, holding hands, many in tears. Closer in, those who'd been shot were being helped by other civilians, and cars were acting as ambulances, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals."

We appeal for calm as the #WestGateMall rescue mission is ongoing ^PO pic.twitter.com/IKY2WFZRWB

— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) September 23, 2013

"Amidst these scenes of horror, I was also witness to moments of fellowship. Strangers helping each other away from danger. The bravery of members of the security forces and civilians. Crowds lining up to donate blood. In a country too often characterised by its divisions, that is the small glimpse I hope I take from one of Kenya's darkest days."

Read her full account.

Journalists take cover as explosions and gun fire go off, #WestagateMallAttack via @brianbaraka pic.twitter.com/8uBzfnuRWK

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 9:10 AM ET

Intense shooting reported

Within the past five minutes, what sound like almost constant gunshots could be heard in live footage from outside Westgate Mall. Journalists have reportedly been told to take cover.

Explosions and heavy exchange of fire reported at the #WestgateMall. Journalists lying down. pic.twitter.com/ttyQ6AGNpm

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 8:30 AM ET

Hostage takers 'multinational'

The attackers came from several different countries, according to Kenya's chief of defense forces.

"We have an idea who this people are and they are clearly a multinational collection from all over the world," the AP quotes Gen. Julius Karangi as saying.

There have been reports that at least three of the hostage takers were US nationals, and others from Canada, the UK, Finland, Somalia and Kenya. They seem to be based on a list posted on an unverified Twitter account claiming to belong to Somali-based Islamist group Al Shabaab that purportedly identified the attackers. That account has since been blocked and the list disowned by Al Shabaab.

UPDATE: 9/23/13 7:45 AM ET

Almost all hostages evacuated: Interior minister

Almost all people trapped inside Westgate Mall have been freed, according to Kenya's interior minister, Joseph Ole Lenku, who has just given a press conference.

He says 62 deaths have been confirmed so far — lower than the figures that had been circulating until now (68 or 69). The Kenyan Red Cross has since given the same figure, saying that the confusion was due to some bodies being counted twice as they were moved between different morgues.

APOLOGIES: The official Death Toll is 62: City Morgue 33, MP Shah 19, Lee 5, Aga Khan 2, Guru Nanak 2. Avenue Hosp ^PO

— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) September 23, 2013

At least two attackers were killed and several wounded, Ole Lenku said. Ten Kenyan security forces were injured.

Ole Lenku: Our forces are in control. We will take the war to the criminals' doorstep. #WestgateMallAttack

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) September 23, 2013

The minister said the smoke now pouring out of the complex is from a fire started by the attackers in an attempt to stop troops closing in.

Kenya government insists this plume of smoke rising from Westgate Mall was caused by terrorists burning mattresses pic.twitter.com/0cxJ7ndEz2

— Tristan McConnell (@t_mcconnell) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 4:30 AM ET

UK to call emergency response meeting

Prime Minister David Cameron is to interrupt a visit to the Queen's Scottish residence to chair a meeting of the UK's emergency response committee, known as COBRA, to discuss the Nairobi attack.

At least three Britons are confirmed dead, and officials have warned that the figure is likely to rise as troops recover more bodies.

I'm cutting short a visit to Balmoral to return to Downing St to chair COBRA late this afternoon, dealing with the Kenya terror attacks.

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) September 23, 2013

#Kenya #Westgate: Concerned British nationals can contact @foreignoffice +44 (0) 20 7008 0000 http://t.co/2HaTf6YAKI

— Foreign Office (FCO) (@foreignoffice) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 4:20 AM ET

Kenya's deputy president excused from trial to help with crisis

The International Criminal Court has announced that it will adjourn the trial of Deputy President William Ruto in order to allow him to return to Kenya during the hostage crisis.

The ICC, which is trying Ruto in The Hague for his alleged role in 2007-08 post-election violence, says he will be granted a week's pause.

#ICCRutoandSangcase Judges excuse Mr Ruto from trial proceedings for one week in light of the circumstances in Kenya

— Int'l Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/23/13 4:05 AM ET

First moments of attack captured on video

The Associated Press has obtained amateur footage filmed inside Westgate Mall as the first shots rang out. The video captures some of the confusion as Saturday shoppers begin to realize they're in danger.

UPDATE: 9/23/13 3:00 AM ET

Reports of heavy gunfire

Witnesses at the scene reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions early Monday morning, as Kenyan forces seek to end the hostage situation that is now entering its third day.

According to AFP correspondents outside Westgate Mall: "Sustained bursts of rapid gunfire broke out at dawn, and soldiers posted around the complex ducked for cover. This was followed by three big explosions and more sporadic weapons fire."

Between 10 and 15 attackers are thought to remain in the complex, as well as an unknown number of hostages and other people trapped. There are concerns that the attackers could use their captives as human shields as security forces close in.

Kenyan troops are receiving assistance from American, Israeli and other foreign forces, a security source told the BBC.

Kenyan security officers take cover close to the #Westgate siege today pic.twitter.com/ByGXK885id

— Tristan McConnell (@t_mcconnell) September 23, 2013

UPDATE: 9/22/13 5:08 PM ET

Kenyan forces report control over most of Westgate mall

In the process of wresting control of the besieged mall from armed attackers, four Kenya Defense Forces personnel were injured, the KDF said Sunday.

The KDF added, "All efforts are underway to bring this matter to a speedy conclusion."

Most of the hostages have been rescued and security forces have taken control of most parts of the building

— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) September 22, 2013

UPDATE: 9/22/13 4:44 PM ET

Update: Al Shabaab denies naming alleged attackers

Al Shabaab has denied a connection to the Twitter account that published the names of 12 people said to be involved in the Westgate attack, according to reports.

#AlShabaab spox to me: "The account that published the names is fake & the names are fake." #Westgate #Nairobi #Kenya

— Hamza Mohamed (@Hamza_Africa) September 22, 2013

Before it was suspended today, an unverified Twitter account appearing to represent Al Shabaab tweeted a list of 12 people whom it said are the Westgate attackers. The list includes several Americans, though all 12 individuals are of Somali origin.

The names, which GlobalPost has not independently verified, are posted here.

UPDATE: 9/22/13 3:23 PM ET

Death toll rises to 68

The Red Cross said the number of people confirmed killed now sits at 68. That count is in line with what a medical worker told GlobalPost earlier today, reporting seeing nine dead civilians pulled out of the Westgate mall.

DEATH Toll rises to 68 after Nine more bodies were recovered in the joint rescue mission #WestgateMallAttack ^PO

— Kenya Red Cross (@KenyaRedCross) September 22, 2013

UPDATE: 9/22/13 1:55 PM ET

Military operation underway; fresh explosion reported at mall

The Associated Press and other news outlets report a large explosion a little more than an hour ago at the Westgate mall, which has been held by armed gunmen for more than 24 hours now.

GlobalPost's interpretation of the explosion is that it was likely a grenade, and not as "huge" as the AP suggests.

Huge explosion at kenya mall just now.

— Jason Straziuso (@jstraziuso) September 22, 2013

Dark n drizzle descend on #westgate. More gunfire inside. Hostages begin a 2nd horrible nite.

— Jason Straziuso (@jstraziuso) September 22, 2013

A military operation is ongoing to recover civilians and put an end to the siege in the Kenyan capital. One soldier speaking to GlobalPost claimed that militants inside the mall were using a belt-fed PKM machine gun.

Some civilian casualties with gunshot wounds had been brought out of the mall today. A medical worker told GlobalPost that some of the rescued have been treated for dehydration and exhaustion as well as gunshot and shrapnel wounds.

A medical worker also reported seeing nine dead civilians pulled out of the building in the last hour or so. If confirmed, they would be deaths in addition to the 59 already counted.

UPDATE: 9/22/13 11:54 AM ET

Details scarce on what's happening inside Westgate

Kenyan authorities say they have rescued about 1,000 people from inside the Westgate mall since yesterday. But it's unclear how many civilians remain inside, and of them, how many have been taken as hostages.

Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta said 10 to 15 armed attackers, both male and female, are still inside the mall.

Among the 59 victims confirmed dead in the attack were Kenyattas own relatives, a nephew and his fiancee. Foreign nationals from the US, UK, South Africa, South Korea, India, China, France, Ghana, Canada and The Netherlands have also been confimed dead.

UPDATE: 9/22/13 11:19 AM ET

Who are Al Shabaab?

Somalia’s Al Shabaab, the group that claimed responsibility for the Westgate attack, have become Africa’s most powerful, dangerous and far-reaching Al Qaeda affiliate.

Although it suffered a series of setbacks in 2012, it remains a powerful force with both regional and international reach.

In 2010, Al Shabaab proved it could strike outside Somalia by carrying out coordinated suicide bombings in Kampala, Uganda. Those attacks killed more than 70 people, including an American. In 2011, a UN investigation found that Al Shabaab was developing strengthening ties to extremist groups in Kenya, and the US in 2012 warned of links to other Al Qaeda-inspired groups in West Africa and Yemen.

On Saturday, an account apparently affiliated with Al Shabaab posted proud claim to the Westgate attack via Twitter. The account has since been suspended, but Slate preserved several of the tweets.

UPDATE: 9/22/13 10:50 AM ET

President Kenyatta's relatives killed in attack

In a statement Sunday, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said that a nephew and his fiancee were among the 59 killed at Westgate mall.

“I feel the pain of every life we have lost, and share your grief at our nation’s loss,” Kenyatta said.

Kenyatta said that 10 to 15 "armed terrorists" are still inside the mall, where hostages continue to be held.

"We have reports of women as well as male attackers. We cannot confirm details on this. Our security analysts are looking at that. Our multi-agency response unit has had to delicately balance the pressure to contain the criminals with the need to keep our people still held in the building safe," he said.

“They shall not get away with their despicable and beastly acts. … We will punish the masterminds swiftly and indeed very painfully,” the president said.

Read text of Kenyatta's full statement here.

UPDATE: 9/22/13 10:20 AM ET

3 UK citizens killed

The UK government has confirmed three of its citizens were killed Saturday in the attack on Nairobi's Westgate mall.

"The number of British Nationals confirmed as killed is likely to rise as further information becomes available," the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a statement.

UPDATE: 9/22/13 9:24 AM ET

Siege continues for second day

NAIROBI, Kenya — At least five gunmen wearing bullet-proof vests and armed with assault rifles and hand grenades attacked the popular Westgate shopping mall during lunchtime on Saturday, killing at least 59 people.

Nearly 24 hours after the attack began, gunmen remain inside the mall with an unknown number of hostages. The makeshift triage station about 500 yards from the mall was quiet on Sunday as the standoff continued inside. Occasional gunfire could be heard.

Makeshift triage centre in a basement car park close to scene of Westgate siege pic.twitter.com/goFzYcquUO

— Tristan McConnell (@t_mcconnell) September 22, 2013

"We will not be cowed," former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga told reporters. "We know terrorism for what it is. That is an act of desperation."

Islamic militant group Al Shabaab on Saturday claimed responsibility for the attack, saying on its official Twitter feed the attacks were retribution for military action by Kenya in Somalia.

"10 hours have passed and the Mujahideen are still strong inside #Westgate Mall and still holding their ground. All praise is due to Allah!," Al Shabaab said in a tweet late Saturday.

Several Americans were among the at least 175 people wounded. Two diplomats, one from Canada and one from Ghana, were among the dead. The Kenya Red Cross earlier reported that 30 people had been killed and 60 injured but those numbers dramatically increased later in the day.

It's the deadliest terror attack in Nairobi since 1998 bombings at US embassies there and in Tanzania killed more than 200 people.

"There are quite a number of people still being held hostage on the third floor and the basement area where the terrorists are still in charge," Odinga told reporters.

One man, Al Graziano, who escaped after hiding in a Mr Price clothing story for five hours, described how the assault started as he waited to meet friends for lunch on the outside terrace of the Art Caffe restaurant.

"There was a bang, an explosion, and I though it must be a car crash but then the shooting started," he said.

Customers dived to the floor and then ran for shelter in nearby shops.

"We were hiding in Mr Price, maybe 30 or 40 of us. It was unnerving: the entire ground floor of the mall was empty and we could just hear shooting, shooting every minute."

Olivia Murthi, who had been hiding in the same shop, said there were "a lot of gunshots and explosions."

One security source told GlobalPost that the attackers included one woman. Another said, "They knew what they were doing. They weren't spraying bullets around, these guys are good shooters."

Kenyan military units moved into the mall to look for the assailants who were believed to be in the main department store. During the afternoon the military and police presence grew, as did the crowds of onlookers and worried relatives. At one point police used tear gas to disperse the crowds outside the mall.

Helicopters circled overhead all afternoon, and at nightfall the operation was ongoing.

Nairobi's malls are popular with the country's middle classes and foreign residents and are especially crowded with families on weekends. Among the people who escaped during the course of Saturday afternoon were distraught parents and traumatized children who were hustled out by emergency workers and security personnel.

Scores of people with gunshot wounds were also carried out and loaded into waiting ambulances.