UPDATED: US citizen among 21 killed in siege at luxury Kenyan hotel
A US citizen was among at least 21 people killed when suspected militants attacked a luxury hotel complex in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi yesterday.
The incident happened at a compound in the Westlands district of the city, which houses the five-star DusitD2 hotel.
Authorities have now confirmed 21 fatalities but the Kenyan Red Cross said 19 people remain unaccounted for.
Gunmen arrived by car and shot their way past security guards and threw explosives at cars in the car park before entering the building.
A British citizen was also among the victims.
The Somalia-based militant group al-Shabab, which opposes the Somali government, said it was behind the attack.
Dusit Hotels and Resorts issued a statement saying staff and management were devastated by the attack and extended their deepest sympathies to all those affected.
"Our highest concern is the safety and well-being of our guests and employees, and we are providing support in every way we can. Efforts are ongoing to get in touch with all staff members and guests at the hotel to ensure they are all accounted for.
"Our guests and upcoming reservations are being relocated to other hotels in the city, and the hotel is closed until further notice."
US Ambassador to Kenya Bob Godec said: "The United States commends the speed and courage of the Kenyan security services in ending the January 15 terrorist attack at the Dusit2D Hotel complex in Nairobi and rescuing innocent civilians. It is with great sadness that we confirm one American citizen was killed.
"We are assisting the family of the victim and other U.S. citizens who were affected. We offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who were killed and we wish a quick, full recovery to all those injured. ԬThe United States again condemns in the strongest terms the horrific attack at the Dusit2D.
"We remain in close communication with Kenyan leaders and are providing assistance in support of Kenyan operations. The United States stands firmly with the Kenyan government and people as they confront violent extremism and work to bring terrorists to justice.’¨’
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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