The government of the United States of America has cautioned the Kenyan authorities of a possible terrorist attack on civilian airlines in Kenyan airspace.
The United States Federal Aviation Administration issued the advisory on Saturday through a statement saying the infamous terrorist group Al Shabaab poses a threat to aviation.
FAA said Al Shabaab still has weapons that can hit aircraft at low altitudes, especially when taking off and landing.
"Such weapons could target aircraft at low altitudes, including during the arrival and departure phases of flight, and/or target airports and aircraft on the ground, especially at airfields located east of 40 degrees east longitude," FAA statement read.
This comes shortly after the US government conducted an airstrike targeting another terrorist group linked to Al Shabaab known as Al Qaeda in Somalia.
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The airstrike was prompted by Al Shabaab’s attack on Somali partner forces on February 22.
Al Shabaab has publicly declared retaliatory attacks on Kenya’s counter-terrorism operations in Somalia under the African Union Mission (AMISOM)
“Al-Shabaab maintains freedom of movement in the Kenya-Somalia border region and has expressed intent to conduct additional attacks against Kenyan targets,” FAA said.
FAA’s concerns come because flights operating between China, India, the United Arab Emirates and the far East countries often use the flight path that goes through Garissa County as they exit Kenya into Somalia.
The US Embassy has also cautioned members of the public to remain vigilant whenever they are in public spaces.
“The U.S. Embassy reminds the public of the continued need for sustained vigilance in public locations such as shopping malls, hotels, airports, clubs, restaurants, transportation hubs, schools, places of worship and other areas frequented by tourists,” the embassy cautioned.