NAIROBI, Kenya — Military forces are declaring victory over the terrorists at the Westgate mall as of Tuesday, as the police and army continue to surround the complex.
Military airplanes and helicopters are circling the sky above the mall. Armed forces have declared that they are in control of all floors of the shopping center and the conflict is entering its final stages.
The violence at the mall is entering its fourth day after 10 to 15 suspected al-Shabab militants stormed into the luxury shopping complex on Saturday. The militants took at least 200 hostages, and have reportedly killed least 62 people.
On Monday, there were several loud explosions coming from the compound, then black thick smoke began rising towards the sky. The bullets were flying as army and police reinforcements moved in.
Kenya’s Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku has said it does not think there are any hostages left inside, but that could not be independently confirmed.
The Westgate is small but iconic mall in the upscale neighborhood of Westlands, with several luxury boutiques, cinemas and other services, as well as Israeli-owned Art Café, one of the most prestigious in town.