Kenya issues terror alert after militants sighted in coastal town

Kenyan authorities on Monday issued a terror alert after locals reported an alleged sighting of more than 40 heavily-armed Al-Shabaab militants in the coastal town of Lamu.

Regional police commander, Francis Wanjohi, said the militants were spotted near Milimani and Basuba areas by local residents.

Wanjohi said they have reinforced already existing police camps in Lamu to avert any terrorist attacks.

"We received credible intelligence that the Al-Shabaab (militants) were spotted moving towards Lamu to stage attacks and alerted our security agents about their presence to prevent any attacks," said Wanjohi.

A multi-agency team has been deployed to Lamu to deal with the militants, Wanjohi said.

Kenyan troops have also involved in pursuing the suspected Al-Shabaab militants, believed to be hiding in the Boni Forest, east of Lamu near Kenya-Somalia border.

The alert comes five days after four Al-Shabaab militants were gunned down by Kenyan troops in Lamu county.

The Somalia-based Al-Shabaab Islamist group has carried out several deadly attacks in Kenya in recent years.

The U.S. last week issued a new travel advisory, warning its citizens of security threats in Kenya's northeastern and coastal regions. Endit