UK, France issue terror alerts in Kenya as Ramadan kicks off
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Staff reporter GAROWE ONLINE
- Posted On 03-04-2022, 10:32AM
NAIROBI, Kenya - French and UK have issued terror alerts in the republic of Kenya as both Muslims and Christians kick off Ramadan and Easter seasons which are fundamental in their respective religions.
It's not the first time the two governments are issuing alerts especially during such a period. Al-Shabaab militants often take advantage of the two important calendar events to attack unsuspecting faithful.
“In the context of upcoming religious holidays [notably Easter and Ramadan], Kenyan police services are reporting an increased terrorist risk during the month of April in Kenya,” the French embassy in Kenya said.
The French embassy added that: “It is therefore recommended that all people present in the country exercise extreme vigilance and stay away from any gathering during this period.”
On its part, the UK embassy in Nairobi said there are high risks of terrorism activities during the two religious holidays around the world, adding that Kenya is at high risk.
“During this period, United Kingdom nationals are advised to be extremely vigilant.”
The foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office [FCDO] has been advised against all but essential travel to areas within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border, Eastern Garissa County [up to 20km north-west of the A3].
Further, they warned against travel to Mandera County [excluding Mandera West sub-county], Lamu County, excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island], areas of Tana River County north of the Tana river itself [up to 20km north-west of the A3] and within 15km of the coast from the Tana river down to the Galana [Athi-Galana-Sabaki] river.
Al-Shabaab militants have been targeting the said counties, with reports indicating that the activities of the said counties have intensified in recent weeks. In Somalia, the militants killed over 60 people a fortnight ago, raising questions about the safety of the East African region.
GAROWE ONLINE
