| Submit your comments on this article |
| Africa Horn |
| Kenya: More soldiers deployed along Somali border |
| 2008-11-19 |
| (SomaliNet) In a move that has prompted a mass exodus of locals in fear of military presence, more army personnel have been deployed on the Kenya-Somalia border. Kenya's military Spokesman Bogita Ongeri said the Kenyan Government opted to deploy additional officers to tighten security along the borders. He said Kenyan security agencies were on alert following increasing insurgency in Somalia that has seen militia groups take control of most areas. Witnesses say military personnel were spotted in lorries being deployed to Elwak and Liboi from Isiolo. The deployment follows a US security alert that insurgents had planned to attack on the day of the sixth anniversary of Kikambala bombings. Kenya Red Cross officials said they were working closely with local leaders to address needs of people fleeing their homes in Elwak town and its environs. "The displaced people are fleeing in fear of increased military presence in Elwak after the recent abduction of Catholic nuns by suspected Somalia bandits," said a KRC spokesman Titus Mungou. Meanwhile, security agents are on high alert ahead of next week's sixth anniversary of the Paradise Hotel bombing in Kikambala. Sources said there were fears terror suspects could attack to mark the anniversary. "We are generally on alert because you never know what these people are planning and given what is happening in Somalia," said a senior officer. At the weekend, the US heightened its travel advisory for Kenya, citing security concerns in North Eastern Province. An alert from the US State Department said there was continuing threat from terrorism. It warned of possible terrorist attacks in Kenya, saying those responsible for past attacks in Nairobi and Kikambala were still active. "The US continues to receive indications of potential terrorist threats aimed at American, Western, and Kenyan interests in Kenya," read the statement in part. It added that terrorist acts could include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports. "This replaces the Travel Warning of August 22, 2008, to note increased security concerns in northeast Kenya near the Somali border." The statement cited the recent kidnapping of two Italian nuns from El Wak by armed Somali militia. |
| Posted by:Fred |