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Kenyan tightens security in tourist resort ahead of Easter

Xinhua, March 24, 2016 Adjust font size:

Kenyan authorities said Wednesday they have beefed up security in and near the coastal city of Mombasa ahead of Easter holiday.

Coast Regional Coordinator, Nelson Marwa, said the move followed intelligence reports about planned attacks during Easter celebration by Somalia-based Islamist group Al-Shabaab.

Police earlier said some Al-Shabaab militants, fleeing military operations in southern Somalia, may sneak into Kenya.

Marwa said security had been tightened at key areas including airports, hotels, public places in and near the city in case of any attack.

Mombasa, Kenya's second largest city and major tourist spot, has been targeted by a series of bomb and grenade attacks and abduction of foreigners in the past.

He said the government was "in control" but urged residents to be on higher alert.

The East African nation's coastal towns are the backbone of its tourism industry, which has suffered due to the fear of terror attacks and kidnappings.

Reports say Al-Shabaab is planning to revenge the recent killing of its fighters by Kenyan troops, part of the African Union force in Somalia.

The militants are said to be using Boni Forest, a forest bordering southern Somalia, to sneak into the country.

Kenyan army has tried to flush out the militants from the forest but they remain a major threat.

Police have also deployed more officers to a cultural festival due on Thursday in the coastal town of Malindi, which is expected to attract over 8,000 people. Endit