US warns of possible terror attack on Kenyan airspace

NAIROBI, Kenya - All Aircrafts from the United States flying over Kenyan airspace have been issued with a warning over possible terror attack, it has emerged.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) usually issues such travel warnings in consultation with the State Department for the security of US citizens.

The advisory was directed to civilian airliners and all operators of the US and was issued last week. It did not issue in further detail over the same.

FAA said: “Those persons are advised to exercise caution when flying into, out of, within, or over the territory and airspace of Kenya East of 40 degrees East longitude at altitudes below fl260 due to the possibility of extremist/militant activity.”

When such advisories are issued, the US does not take responsibility for any eventualities, something that could make aircraft change course.

The advisory, FAA added, will only be renewed on February 26th, 2020. During the review, an assessment is done to establish improvement if any.

“Aircraft may encounter various anti-aircraft weapons, including manpads, small-arms, and indirect fire weapons such as mortars and rockets, which could target aircraft at low altitudes, including during the arrival and departure phases of flight and/or target airports and aircraft on the ground,” it said.

Kenya has been a soft target for militants operating from neighboring Somalia and has in the process suffered casualties.

For instance, in the last three weeks, at least six people have been kidnapped by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in the Northern Frontier Districts (NFD).

In December, a total of 13 people were killed in Wajir by the Al-Shabaab militants. The government is yet to bring culprits into the book.

During his Jamuhuri Day speech, President Uhuru Kenyatta admitted difficulties in containing "global terrorism" and asked for cooperation from the international community.

Although Kenya has suffered Al-Shabaab attacks, none of them have targeted airplanes in the Kenyan airspace which is regarded as "safest" in East Africa.

To combat terrorism, President Uhuru Kenyatta launched Modika barracks in Garissa County, which will play home to the 6th battalion of the Kenya Defense Forces.

Nairobi has also been instrumental in the war against Al-Shabaab, contributing over 2,600 soldiers in the peacekeeping mission in Somalia.

The US has also dispatched 500 elite forces to Somalia. Al-Shabaab militants have remained a huge threat to stability in East Africa, despite concerted effort to completely degrade them.

On Monday, the group claimed responsibility in the deadly Mogadishu attack, arguing that they had targeted a Turkey convoy and police officers at Afgoye junction.

GAROWE ONLINE