NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) -- Kenyan's military said late Sunday it had rescued "most" of the remaining hostages held by al-Qaida-linked militants in an upscale Nairobi mall after launching a major operation to end a two-day standoff that had already killed 68 people.
The assault, which began shortly before sundown, came as two helicopters circled the mall, with one skimming very close to the roof.
A loud explosion rang out, far larger than any previous grenade blast or gunfire volley.
Kenya Defence Forces said it had rescued most hostages and had taken control of most of the mall.
Officials did not immediately release the number of hostages rescued or the number that remained. Officials said four Kenyan military personnel were wounded in the operation.
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