14 Riverside Terror Attack: US Issues Security Alert to Its Citizens

The United States government has issued a security alert to its citizens following Tuesday afternoon terror attack at 14 Riverside Drive in Nairobi's Westlands area near the Dusit D2 Hotel.

In an advisory dispatched shortly after the attack, the US has urged American nationals around the area of the attack to move to safer areas.

"There are reports of an explosion and an active shooter situation at the Dusit Hotel complex in the Westland district of Nairobi. Avoid the area, monitor local news, and follow emergency instructions," the statement reads.

Security officers drawn from various teams including the elite Recce Squad and Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) have been deployed to counter the six gunmen behind the attack.

"Police wishes to confirm that there has been an attack 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," the National Police Service says in a tweet.

Al Jazeera reports that Al-Shabaab through their military operations spokesman has claimed responsibility for the attack.

"We are behind the attack in Nairobi. The operation is going on. We shall give details later," Abdiasis Abu Musab, Al-Shabaab's military operations spokesman, told Reuters.