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abujagirl
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People fleeing from the mall
Gunmen threw grenades and opened fire Saturday killing at least 20 people in an attack targeting non-Muslims at an upscale mall in Kenya's capital that was hosting a children's day event, witnesses said.
The Westgate center is often frequented by wealthy Kenyans and expatriates.
According to BBC News, a senior police officer originally said it was an attempted robbery but later called it a possible terrorist attack.
The Somali militant group al-Shabab had threatened to strike the center, although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Police told AFP news agency that gunmen had taken at least seven people hostage. Eyewitnesses have also said there are hostages, but there is no official confirmation.
Emergency medical staff treating some of the wounded near the building's entrance
A body lying outside the mall
Some of the attackers were reportedly dressed in hijabs, and it is unclear whether they were men or women.
Elijah Kamau, who was at the mall at the time of the midday attack, said that the gunmen made a declaration that non-Muslims would be targeted.
"The gunmen told Muslims to stand up and leave. They were safe, and non-Muslims would be targeted," he said.
AFP quoted witnesses as saying the gunmen were speaking Arabic or Somali .
The Kenyan authorities have asked media outlets to stop broadcasting from the scene, as the information may be aiding the attackers.
More details to follow shortly.
