DHAKA: Most of the people caught up in an attack on a shopping centre in Kenya`s capital, Nairobi, have been rescued, defence officials have told the BBC.

Col Cyrus Oguna said only a small number remained under the control of the militants, who are thought to be from Somalia`s al-Shabab movement.

Some of those rescued are dehydrated, said Col Oguna. At least 68 people have been killed.

Col Oguna expressed hope that the operation would end very soon.

He said that a large part of the building was now under the control of the security forces.

In total about 175 people have been injured, including four soldiers who were taken to hospital.

The authorities have asked journalists to exercise caution when reporting military developments because the gunmen might be monitoring the media

There are reports that the gunmen are currently holed up in a supermarket. Civilians in the complex are thought either to be held as hostages or in hiding.

As troops continue to clear the building it was possible they would come across more bodies, the said Col Aguna.

A heavy military presence remains both in and around the shopping centre.

Late on Sunday afternoon, a police helicopter and another with military camouflage swept low over the shopping centre.

Correspondents says the full extent of the attack will not be known until the military is back in control.

The BBC`s Gabriel Gatehouse, outside the centre, says he cannot see or hear anything that suggests a "final push" by security forces who surround the complex is going on.

Our correspondent says that there is calm at the moment alongside a feeling that the crisis cannot last much longer.

People continued to escape from the building on Sunday.

Source: BBC
BDST: 0920 HRS, SEP 23, 2013
AKA/BSK