Nairobi mall attack: Another suspect held

Nairobi: Kenyan security forces on Sunday nabbed another suspect, raising the number of arrested people to 10 over the Sep 21 terror attack on Nairobi’s Westgate shopping mall. “There are nine suspects in custody who are held under the counter-terrorism laws. As soon as investigations are complete, we will update you with identities of the suspects,” reported Xinhua citing Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Interior Joseph Ole Lenku stating during a press conference here. [caption id=“attachment_1141351” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Security personnel in the Westgate mall during the attack. AFP.[/caption] “More suspects continue to be arrested including one arrested today,” he added. The East African country’s security forces are working round the clock to unearth details that might lead to the arrest of more terror suspects. “Investigations into the Westgate shopping mall terror attack continue. So far, police have recorded statements from 156 witnesses,” said the official, adding that forensic investigators have identified one of the vehicles used by terrorists. According to the official sources, gunmen killed at least 61 civilians and six security agents, who also shot dead five attackers. As many as 175 people were wounded in the four-day siege on the mall. “Investigators have recovered crucial items in the vehicle and they are providing good and credible leads. Some of the items found in the vehicle include an assortment of illegal weapons,” Lenku said. In response to a question about theft inside the mall, the minister said at least three suspected looters were arrested. He also told reporters that there is no formal information on missing persons, contrary to reports from the Kenya Red Cross Society saying some 59 people remain unaccounted for. IANS