The attack on Dusit D2 Hotel, Riverside Nairobi began on Tuesday evening at around 3pm after gunmen made their way to the premises.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers reportedly stopped a short distance from the facilities main gate for about 20 minutes.

The alleged 6-gun men were said to have embarked from their silver 5-seater hatchback and before marching towards the gate on foot.

To forcefully gain access to the hotel, the attackers hurled grenades at the security officers manning the gate.

The resulting explosion saw three car burst up in flames.

Security agents moved in quickly although gunshots were heard close to 20 minutes after the attack.

Recce squad security officers and Kenya Airforce teams advance into the hotel to try and neutralize the attackers.

Police confirmed the incident indicating that there was indeed an attack incident along 14 Riverside Drive.

“The area has since been cordoned off and motorists are advised to use alternative routes to facilitate smooth operations of the Police,” police stated on Twitter.

The journalists covering the event were later pushed back by the police not to interfere or sabotage the security operation.

Security agencies later confirmed that all employees from Dusit D2 hotel had been rescued although at least one person had been confirmed dead.

An hour later, Somali based terror group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility of the attack in Nairobi.

The Village Market, a shopping mall in the neighborhood was shutdown a few minutes afterthe Dusit D2 terror attack.

Officers from the Bomb Disposal Unit managed to detonate explosives left by the attackers in one of the vehicles which was left outside the Dusit complex.

Police and intelligence officers continue to rescue hundreds of people who had been trapped inside.

An eyewitnesses later claimed that one of the attackers at Dusit D2 Hotel visited the premise at least two times before the attack.

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs warned its citizens in the area to exercise caution.

“There are reports of an explosion and an active shooter situation at the Dusit Hotel complex in the Westlands district of Nairobi. Avoid the area, monitor local news, and follow emergency instructions,” the statement on their site read.

One suspect was reportedly arrested in 14th Riverside Drive attack at Hotel Dusit D2 as the operation went on.

Al Shabaab Extremists Claim Responsibility For Riverside Drive Attack

Al Shabaab extremists have taken responsibility for the Dusit D2 attack.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, the group’s spokesperson confirmed conducting an operation in the country’s capital.

“We are currently conducting an operation in Nairobi,” the spokesperson is quoted by Al Jazeera.

So far one person has been confirmed dead after sustaining a chest injury and others sustaining injuries.

Reports indicate that there are at least three attackers in the premises.

This comes a day after Westgate Mall terror attack suspects’ trial started with court acquitting one of the four suspects.

Adan Dheq was being accused of providing accommodation to another suspect Mohamed Abdi in his house along Muyuyu Avenue in Eastleigh.

Police have cordoned off Chiromo Road as evacuation exercise continues.

So far 5 casualties have been rushed to Kenyatta National hospital and 9 others to the Avenue hospital, Parklands.

Witness accounts say that there are at least six armed individuals in the complex.

Inspector General of police Joseph Boinnet has confirmed that security agencies on the ground are trying to flush out the armed gunmen.

Source: KahawaTungu