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Roundup: Kenya says security operations in coast region pay off

Xinhua, March 28, 2016 Adjust font size:

Kenya's security officials said Monday operation Linda Boni in the vast forest in the coastal town of Lamu is a great success seven months after it was launched to flush out Al-Shabaab fighters.

Linda Boni Forest Director of Operation James Ole Serian said the security operation to flush out remnants of the militants would go on indefinitely with a major objective of hunting down the insurgents.

Serian said the operation has managed to disorganize the Al-Shabaab group after they were flushed from the forest they used as their hideouts to carry out attacks.

"We have managed to thwart several attempts by Al-Shabaab group to cross over to carry out the attacks due to increased patrols along the Kenya-Somalia border and upscaling of intelligence gathering," Serian said.

Amid the success, Kenyan hotels in the coastal region on Monday said they recorded improvement during the Easter holiday due to the lifting of travel advisories by main source markets and improved security in the tourism resorts.

Many facilities were operating at 100 percent bed occupancy, with Friday and Saturday being the busiest days, according to hoteliers.

Hotel keepers Association Chief executive Director CEO Sam Ikwaye said lifting of travel advisories has greatly boosted the tourism sector due to the restoration of security in the region.

Speaking to Xinhua on Monday in Mombasa, Ikwaye said most hotels across the region recorded over 90 percent of domestic tourist during the festive celebrations

Both foreign and locals flocked the beaches in Diani, Watamu, Malindi and Mombasa while others went to national parks and game reserves.

"We commend security agents for restoring security in the region that subsequently resulted in the lifting of travel advisories," Ikwaye said.

"Security is key for any tourism destination. It's all about perception. If the country is insecure then definitely tourists will avoid it," said Ikwaye.

Kenya relies heavily on the currency of foreigners that travel to see the wildlife and natural beauty of the land. Endit