Kenya enhances security amid terror threats in Mombasa

Kenyan police on Sunday heightened security at Likoni crossing channel following intelligence reports of planned terrorist attack in the coastal city of Mombasa.

Mombasa County Commissioner Maalim Mohammed said detectives and anti-terror officers have been deployed to the busy channel after reports warned of possible terror attack.

"We are on high alert and we assure citizens that all is safe, each ferry will have at least three armed security personnel and most of them plain-clothed detectives," Maalim told journalists.

A recent intelligence report revealed that Likoni Ferry is vulnerable to terror attacks orchestrated by Al-Shabaab returnees.

The two waiting bays that accommodate nearly 3,000 people each and a parking lot were said to be more susceptible to terror attacks. Four ferries operate at the crossing channel when traffic is at its heaviest and two at off-peak hours.

About 300,000 commuters and 5,500 motorists use ferries daily, according to statistics from Kenya Ferry Service.

On Thursday two terror suspects were shot dead in the coastal city with their weapons recovered.

The two were killed after anti-terror police raided their house, where they were allegedly plotting an attack in the seaside city.

Among the weapons recovered included three hand grenades, 17 rounds of ammunition and two detonators.

Two suspects however managed to escape according to Kisauni Police Chief Walter Abondo, who said "a pursuit has been launched in a bid to arrest them."

According to police, the two suspects killed were among most wanted terror suspect behind past terrorist attacks in Mombasa. Endit