This archive report was first published on 5 January 2020.
The Manda Airstrip in Lamu has reopened after a temporary closure following a dawn attack by Al-Shabaab militants on Sunday.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), normalcy has been restored at the airstrip, allowing for normal operations to resume.
US Africa Command (US Africom) has confirmed that the airstrip was cleared and is being secured with the help of the Kenya Defence Forces.
However, airlines operating from the airstrip have not yet announced when they will resume operations.
During the attack, Al-Shabaab militants attempted to take control of the military base jointly used by the Kenya and US forces.
The Kenya Defence Forces and US Africa Command successfully repelled the attack, killing four militants and arresting five suspects.
US Army Major General William Gayler stated that Al-Shabaab resorts to lies and exaggeration to bolster their reputation.
US Africom has cautioned that the security situation in Manda Bay remains fluid.
