Kenya's Red Cross says at least 20 people were killed and dozens were wounded in an apparent terrorist attack on an upscale shopping mall in Nairobi.
Gunmen opened fire and tossed hand grenades Saturday at the Westgate Mall in Kenya's capital. Children were among the wounded.
Hours after the attack, hundreds of security forces battled the gunmen in an attempt to rescue those still trapped in the mall.
The attack sent terrified shoppers fleeing. Many were evacuated from the building, where smoke was seen pouring out of one entrance.
Officials at first said the incident may have been a failed robbery attempt. But media are now reporting it appears to have been a terrorist attack. The mall is popular with wealthy Kenyans and foreigners.
There has been no immediate claim of responsibility.
Nairobi has seen a series of grenade attacks since Kenyan troops crossed into Somalia to fight the Somali extremist group al-Shabab two years ago. The Westgate Mall has been identified as one of the key targets for gunmen and terrorist groups, because it is frequented by many Westerners.
Al-Shabab has threatened to carry out attacks in Nairobi.