Kenya beefs up security in coastal region over terror threats

The Kenyan authorities on Thursday issued a terror alert following leaked information of impending attack in the coastal region by suspected Al-Shabaab militant group.

A National Intelligence Services (NIS) report warns of possible attacks on unspecified locations in the three counties of Kilifi and Tana River in the coastal region and Kitui in eastern Kenya.

However, the NIS does not specify the location and exact time for the attacks by the group that had in past staged deadly terror attacks in various parts of the country.

The report indicates that five terror suspects arrived in Malindi on Nov. 7 using private vehicle to coordinate the attacks.

The suspects, Shamid Ahmed, the group leader, Abdula Alhdi, Aisha Alhadi, Mohammed and Rashid are believed to have sneaked into the country from Somalia after they underwent paramilitary training.

Police have circulated their details and registration number of the vehicle to all security agents to hunt down the five who are still at large.

Malindi police commander Matawa Mchangi said on Thursday that they a still analyzing the intelligence report and appropriate action taken to avert any possible terrorism act.

"We have heightened security in Kilifi County ahead of the festive season, but urge resident to be extra vigilant," said Mchangi.

The coastal region, a major tourist spot is one of various locations targeted by a series of grenade attacks and abduction of foreigners in recent months.

The East African nation's coastal towns are the backbone of the country's thriving tourism industry, which has been hit by the fear of terror attacks and the kidnapping of foreigners by Somali pirates from resorts near the border with Somalia.

Mchangi said several police units, especially the anti-terrorism police officers, are on higher alert. Endit