Al-Shabaab capable of downing planes at low altitudes, US tells Kenya

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States has warned that Somalia-based Al-Shabaab militants are capable of hitting aircraft flying at low altitudes in the Northeastern part of the East Africa nation, particularly along the troubled Kenya-Somalia border.

Federal Aviation Authority [FAA[ said Al-Shabaab is in possession of weapons capable of hitting aircraft flying at altitudes of up to 25,000 ft, thus endangering the lives of millions of people using the airspace.

“Such weapons could target aircraft at low altitudes, including during the arrival and departure phases of flight, and/or target airports and aircraft on the ground, especially at airfields located east of 40 degrees east longitude,” read a statement in part.

In most cases, flights from the United Arab Emirates [UAE], China, India, and many other East African countries use the airspace in northwestern. Al-Shabaab has a huge presence in Garissa, Mandera, and Wajir counties.

The warning comes after the US government recently conducted an airstrike in Somalia targeting the al-Qaeda-linked group. Last week's airstrike was the first in as many months and left close to 60 Al-Shabaab operatives dead.

The airstrike by the U.S. Africa Command Forces, the first in 2022 after the Trump administration withdrew its troops from Somalia, targeted Al-Shabaab fighters in Dububle after they attacked Somali partner forces on Tuesday, February 22.

For years, the US has pledged to partner with the Federal Government of Somalia in the fight against Al-Shabaab. There were plans to reinstate US Africa Command troops in Somalia but Joe Biden's administration is yet to come with the final decision.

Al-Shabaab has publicly declared intent to conduct attacks in retaliation for Kenya’s counter-terrorism operations in Somalia, which it conducts as part of the African Union Mission [Amisom]. The militants control large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE