Kenya says 62 dead, 2 terrorists killed, hostages rescued in mall crisis

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Kenya says 62 dead, 2 terrorists killed, hostages rescued in mall crisis

(Xinhua) 20:02, September 23, 2013

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The Kenyan authorities on Monday put the latest toll in the mall crisis at 62, while declaring two terrorists were killed and some hostages were rescued in the latest round of fighting.

The Kenyan Interior Ministry said 62 people have been confirmed dead since Al-Qaida linked Al-Shabaab militants stormed into Nairobi's upscale Westgate shopping mall on Saturday.

Two of the 10 to 15 militants holding hostages in the mall were shot dead in the fierce fighting to rescue the victims.

Meanwhile Kenyan police said they have managed to rescue some of the hostages.

Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said the security forces were trying to gain access from the rooftop of the Westgate shaping mall.

"Thumbs up to our multi-agency team, we have just managed to rescue some hostages. We are increasingly gaining advantage of the attackers," Kimaiyo said via his Twitter account.

"As we intensify our operations, we urge the public, to stay away from Westgate and its environs for their own safety," he added, as ambulances were seen rushing to the mall.

（Editor：YanMeng、Gao Yinan）