This archive report was first published on 2 October 2019.
October 1, 2019, marked a significant counterterrorism operation by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) in Mombasa, resulting in the killing of several al-Shabaab operatives. The operation has left police at the Coast on high alert over a possible Al-Shabaab attack, with a security threat alert issued.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced the arrest of 7 suspects and the confiscation of over 1,600 rounds of ammunition, a grenade, a G3 rifle, and other assorted weapons in a crackdown in Likoni.
Recovered items include 68 air rifle pellets, 5kg of ammonium nitrate, nine balaclavas, military/police uniforms, military holsters and pouches, rifle oil, one GPS, six machetes, and three knives, among other assortments.
Those arrested are currently undergoing investigative interviewing.
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) October 1, 2019
Intelligence suggests that al-Shabaab operatives are planning to execute terrorist attacks in coastal areas, including Mombasa, and Nairobi. A high-level terrorist threat warning has been issued.
Targets include Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Moi International Airport, and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Mombasa terminus. The operatives may also target social places, including hotels and beaches along the Kenyan Coast.
Kenyan and allied intelligence and counterterrorism forces are working around the clock to avert all possible terrorist attacks.
