Thursday, January 05, 2012
The Kenya Police says Al-Qaeda terror group has joined its Somalia Al Shabaab militants in issuing new terror threats.Anti-terror
police indicate they have intelligence showing the international terror
group is actively trying to attack installations in Kenya.
"We
have information that the most notorious terror group Al-Qaeda has
joined in this war and has issued threats to carry out terror
activities," said Nairobi Area PPO Anthony Kibuchi.
Kibuchi called for extra vigilance from the public and other security agencies in efforts to contain the threats.
However, he did not specify the nature of threats issued by the group but insisted they are new.
"Let
the public take the security measures being undertaken positively.
Screening should be mandatory and as such none should avoid irrespective
of the individual’s status."
Kibuchi indicated Al-Qaeda is facing pressure from their former bases and are now retreating to the region.
He added they have heightened security especially in Nairobi where the groups are targeting.
Somalia’s
Al Shabaab militant group, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda, has been issuing
threats on Kenya since troops crossed to the war-torn country in
October.
Sympathisers of the
militants have been carrying out attacks using Improvised Explosive
Devices and grenades in the country since then, which have claimed more
than a dozen lives and left several others injured.
Police
say they are trailing a number of active terrorists who have crossed
into the country and are planning terrorism activities.
On Wednesday a warrant to arrest a British woman they accuse of having links with terrorists in the country was issued.
The
warrant on Natalie Faye Webb was issued by a Mombasa court, barely a
week after Police Spokesman Erick Kiraithe circulated the woman’s
photograph.
Chief Magistrate
Lillian Muinde issued the warrant following an application lodged by
Anti Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) detectives who want to question her.
"I
direct Anti Terrorism Police Unit to arrest Ms Natalia Faye Webb of
Britain and a local Kenyan Habib Saleh Gani with immediate effect," the
Magistrate ordered.
"Kenya cannot take any chance as far as acts of terrorism are concerned," she added.
Webb is suspected to be part of a terrorist network, which has been operating in Kenya.
On
Saturday, Police Headquarters circulated photographs of 15 people
believed to have information that can help in unravelling Al Shabaab
criminal activities.
The 15 are
alleged to have left Kismayu recently headed for Kenya, with some
believed to have already entered the country with the intent of engaging
in criminal activities.
Since
Kenya embarked on Operation Linda Nchi in mid October last year, strict
security measures across the country have been the order of the day in
almost all public places.
Despite the beefed security, Kenya has suffered several attacks linked to the Al Shabaab militia group.