Two Canadians Killed In Terrorist Attack In Kenya Gunfire and explosions sounded on Monday from the Nairobi mall where militants from Somalia’s al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab group threatened to kill hostages on the third day of a raid in which at least 68 have already died, including two Canadians. There have been reports of gunfire Monday, including heavy bursts of rifle fire and muffled blasts on at least two occasions after daybreak. Kenyan troops moved around outside the building. A Kenyan Red Cross official, Abbas Guled, said there had been clashes inside the building. But there was no indication of the fate of people whom the authorities had said on Sunday were being held by 10 to 15 gunmen – and possibly women – inside a large supermarket. An al Shabaab spokesman warned that the Islamists would kill hostages if Kenyan security forces, who are being assisted by Western and Israeli experts, tried to storm their position: “Israelis and Kenyan forces have tried to enter Westgate by force but they could not,” Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage said in an audio statement posted online. “The mujahideen will kill the hostages if the enemies use force. Security forces had secured most of the complex by Sunday, freeing many people who had hidden in terror. Though they hoped for a quick solution, rescuing those held will be difficult. Survivors’ tales of Saturday’s military-style, lunchtime assault by squads of attackers hurling grenades and spraying automatic fire, has left little doubt the hostage-takers are willing to kill. Previous such raids around the world suggest they may also be ready to die with their captives. The Canadian diplomat killed in the terror attack in Nairobi is being described as the kind of person everyone would want working on the front line abroad. The Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers says it’s devastated by the death of 29 year old Annemarie Desloges. Desloges was a member of the union, which described her as a bright light in the foreign service community. She`d been on a day off at the mall with her husband Robert Munk, who escaped with minor injuries. The other Canadian killed in Nairobi is identified as 59-year old Vancouver businessman Naguib Damji. Condolences have been posted on the Facebook page of a woman who says she`s Damji’s daughter. Foreign Minister John Baird has offered Kenya Canada’s support in responding to the terrorist attack in Nairobi. Baird says he spoke to his Kenyan counterpart over the weekend. As to what Canada can do, Baird says Ottawa will wait until the situation is clearly resolved before deciding on any steps.
Posted on: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 19:09:40 +0000
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