The United Kingdom has issued an advisory alert to its citizens living in Kenya amidst threats of attacks from terror groups such as the Al-Shabaab militia.
In a notice seen by Newszetu, the UK Embassy in Nairobi directed all British travellers to avoid areas prone to attacks within northern counties, those bordering Somalia and the coast, including some areas of Lamu, Garissa and Mandera counties.
“There is a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time,” read a section of the statement.
“In particular, there are also frequent attacks in the north-eastern border regions (Lamu, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera Counties), most of which were attributed to Al Shabaab.”
The Embassy cautioned its residents against attacks from militia groups which it said were orchestrated through suicide vests, grenades, knife attacks, shootings and bombings, improvised explosive devices and kidnappings.
While citing past attacks in Lamu at the Boni Forest, the UK advised its citizens plying across the county to avoid using road transport and stick to air transport.
“Due to the threat of terrorism, if you travel to Lamu Island or Manda Island you should do so by air to Lamu Airport (a civilian airport on Manda Island), and not by road. The only commercial option for air travel to or from Lamu Island and Manda Island is through Lamu Airport,” stated the Embassy.
In regard to kidnapping, the Embassy reiterated to its citizens to be wary of kidnappings, especially within the aforementioned counties insisting the country does not negotiate with terrorists.
Tourists, journalists, aid workers or business people were highlighted as the most targeted group in most kidnappings.
“You should be alert to the heightened threat of terrorist kidnapping targeting Westerners, including British nationals. Westerners have been the target of kidnaps in northern counties, counties bordering Somalia and coastal counties, and further kidnaps are very likely,” read the notice.
“British nationals are viewed as legitimate targets, including those engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. If you’re kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release…the Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.”
Other places where British nationals have been warned to stay away from include Kenyan official buildings such as government offices and law enforcement facilities.
The security alert by the UK follows a similar directive by the United States on Thursday which also cautioned its citizens against possible terror attacks in the country.
“Locations frequented by U.S. citizens and other foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya continue to be attractive targets to terrorists planning to conduct potentially imminent attacks. Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists. The government of Kenya has increased counterterrorism patrols,” read a US directive.
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