The United States and the United Kingdom have urged their citizens in Kenya to remain vigilant due to terror threats. In a security alert issued on Friday, the American embassy advised its citizens to be aware of potential kidnappings and attacks in areas frequented by tourists.
Referencing previous incidents like the Westgate Mall attack and the Hamas attack on Israel, the US government noted that terrorists might aim to commemorate these anniversaries, emphasizing the need for caution.
“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 US embassy stated.
“While attacks can occur at any time, concerns are heightened in proximity to anniversaries of prior terrorist attacks, such as September 11th, the September 21st Westgate Mall attack, and the October 7th Hamas attack against Israel.”
The US further detailed that acts of terror often occur without warning, stressing the importance of staying vigilant at all times. Locations commonly visited by foreigners were singled out as potential targets. The security alert was reportedly informed by the global observance of terror attack anniversaries.
The advisory also listed precautionary actions, such as avoiding crowded areas, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other locations frequented by foreigners. US citizens were urged to review their local security plans and stay updated through the media for any alerts.
The UK, on its part, advised against all but essential travel to areas within 60km of Kenya’s border with Somalia, eastern Garissa County, and parts of Tana River and Mandera counties, citing the terrorism risk from groups based in Somalia.
