Cited as ‘an absolutely sickening and despicable attack of appalling brutality’ by David Cameron, the shootings in Nairobi on Saturday have left at least 4 Britons dead. Unfortunately, as the Westgate Mall is cleared, the Foreign Office has stated that more bodies may be discovered during the operation. The attack has been initiated by the Somalian al-Shabab Militant group, who announced that it has comes as a response to current Kenyan military operations in Kenya.
David Cameron tweeted earlier today, “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.” COBRA is an acronym for Cabinet Office Briefing Room A, which refers to the area of organisation for a committee held to discuss and co-ordinate crisis’ responses and determine actions to be taken. Ed Miliband, Labour Party leader has said the “terrible attack reminds us all of the continuing need for vigilance from our security services and ongoing international cooperation in the battle against terrorism”.
Aside from the shooting attacks, al-Shabab claims that over 36 people are being held hostage, though this number remains unconfirmed. In a previous cobra meeting, it was confirmed that a rapid deployment team was to be sent to Nairobi to offer support and aid. The situation remains at a present stand-off between the Kenyan Military and persisting al-Shabab attackers.
Written by Sofia Kluge on Google+
