Police alert over fresh Al-Shabab raid fears

Security agencies have stepped up surveillance following reports that terrorism suspects have sneaked into the country.

Intelligence sources say the suspects, who were being trained in Somalia, are planning to carry out attacks. The intelligence agents have positively identified the suspects.

Consequently, surveillance across the country, with a special focus on the airports and other entry points, has been increased.

Officers have been directed to screen, upon arrival into the country, all travelers from Somalia, Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo.

SECURITY BREACH

The Kenya Airports Police Unit commandant Mr. Joseph ole Tito yesterday said that the reverse screening was meant to ensure that dangerous travelers, who as a result of a security breach at the point of origin escaped the check, do not get into the country.

“Even connecting passengers should be screened before their flights or being let loose in the sterile area of our airports,” said the officer.

Though incidents of security breaches had been reported in the past, the focus has now shifted from passenger screening only.

Security agents have been conducting covert crackdowns, leading to some arrests but the manner in which the suspects were dealt with has not been made public.

Specialized teams of officers from the National Intelligence Service, Anti-Terrorism Police Unit and CID’s Criminal Intelligence Unit have also covertly been working in the places identified as potential targets.

Additional officers have been sent to airports and border points, and screening has also been heightened at the airports.

Source: Daily Nation