By Spy Uganda
The embassy of the United States of America in Kenya has warned of a possible terrorist attack at one of the top hotels in Nairobi, Kenya.
According to a security alert issued by the embassy on Thursday afternoon, it is suspected that terrorists are planning to execute an attack at one of the hotels that are usually flooded by foreign nationals in the heart of Kenya.
The security alert released by the US Embassy in Nairobi reads thus;
Event: Terrorist groups may be plotting an attack against a major hotel in Nairobi. The exact hotel has not been identified, but it is believed to be a hotel popular with tourists and business travellers.
Actions to Take:
- Exercise increased vigilance when visiting or staying at hotels in the Nairobi area.
- If staying at a hotel, be aware of the hotel’s evacuation plan. Plan ahead of time how you would exit the hotel in case of an emergency.
- Review your personal security plans.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Monitor local media for updates.
It should be noted that Kenya has been victim to several terrorist attacks.
In January 2020,
Three Americans; a US service member and two civilian contractors working for the Defense Department, were killed in the attack carried out by Al-Shabaab, US Africa Command, which is responsible for military relations with nations on the continent, confirmed to the media.
Two Department of Defence (DOD) members were also wounded in the attack and were later evacuated.
The attack occurred at a Kenya Defense Force in Manda Bay, Kenya. Sources revealed that the base was used by US Special Operations forces working with the Kenyans.
Africa Command said the US uses the airfield for missions such as providing training to African allies, responding to crises and protecting US interests in the region.
On Saturday, 21 September 2013, four masked gunmen attacked the Westgate shopping mall, an upscale mall in Nairobi. To date there are conflicting reports about the number killed in the attack, since part of the mall collapsed due to a fire that started during the siege.
The attack resulted in 71 total deaths, including 62 civilians, five Kenyan soldiers, and four attackers. Approximately 200 people were wounded in the mass shooting.
The extremist Islamic group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the incident, which it characterised as retribution for the Kenyan military’s deployment in the group’s home country of Somalia.
