Philippine embassy in Nairobi on lockdown after terrorist attack 

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, is on lockdown on Wednesday after a terrorist attack killed at least 15 people in a hotel three kilometers away from the Philippine embassy.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is monitoring the situation in Nairobi after gunfire and explosions were heard at an upscale hotel complex there," the DFA said in a statement. 

Binabantayan pa rin ng DFA ang seguridad ng nasa 400 Pinoy sa Nairobi, Kenya kasunod ng barilan at pagsabog sa isang hotel kahapon. pic.twitter.com/6oLciVZlQ4

— News5 AKSYON (@News5AKSYON) January 16, 2019

According to the DFA, over 400 Filipinos live in the capital of Kenya and advised them to remain indoors. 

Philippine Ambassador to Kenya Norman Garibay said all personnel are currently on lockdown.

According to a report in Agence France-Presse, at least one suicide bomber blew himself up at the DusitD2 hotel while gunmen sprayed fire before engaging security forces and holing themselves up at the premises as civilians fled or barricaded themselves in their offices awaiting rescue.

Among the dead was an American citizen, a State Department official said. No Philippine citizens have been reported among the casualties in the attack. 

East African terrorist group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack. — Ryan Macasero with reports from Agence France-Presse