MEA condemns terror attack at Nairobi shopping mall

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin on Sunday condemned the attack at the Nairobi shopping mall where atleast 39 people were killed, including two Indian nationals.

"We have condemned such attack because this is antithetical to all that we stand for. As a country, which has been subject to terrorist attacks, we are in full sympathy and extend our support go the government and people of Kenya," he said.

"Our mission has been to contact all hospitals and the local Indian community there because there are approximately 70,000 people of Indian origin. They have been in touch with the group leaders there," he added.

He also confirmed the death of two Indian nationals in the attack, and added that four others are in hospital, who are provided with adequate medical aid.

"It is with some sadness that we have to acknowledge that two Indian nationals, including a young man and a boy succumbed to the attacks. Apart from that there are four Indian nationals who are currently in hospital, they are being provided adequate medical attention. We will provide all required assistance to them," he added.

Two Indians, including an 8-year-old boy, were among 39 killed in the deadly terror attack.

While one of the victims 40-year-old Sridhar Natarajan was working with a pharma firm, the boy Paramshu Jain was the son of a manager of the local Bank of Baroda branch.

The Kenyan government has said that hostages are being held in several locations after a terrorist attack inside an upscale Nairobi shopping mall that left 39 people dead and over 150 injured.

According to the Mirror, men armed with AK47s and grenades opened fire inside the Westgate Mall in the affluent Westlands area of Nairobi, and the Al Qaeda-linked militant group al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a televised address, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said 39 people had died in the attack and 150 were injured, according to reports.

He said security forces were in the process of 'neutralising the attackers and securing the mall' in what was a 'delicate' operation but that those responsible would be hunted down and punished.