Terrorism: Security heightened

 

Security agents are on high alert following reports that the Al-Shabaab terror group is planning co-ordinated attacks on various county installations.

County Commissioner Albert Kobia yesterday confirmed that intelligence reports indicate that the group plans to attack some unspecified targets in the expansive county.

"We have that information that they are planning to attack but our security team is alert. We know they are using certain mosques for the planning," said Mr Kobia.

The administrator made the remarks during the International Human Rights Day celebrations at Karisa Maitha grounds.

He said security had been heightened in the county as the Christmas festive season approaches and urged residents to be vigilant.

"We are appealing to the public to be on the lookout and report any suspicious-looking people in the area, as members of the terror group could use this time to commit crime," said Kobia.

In Mombasa, the police and County Commissioner Nelson Marwa have cited some mosques that are believed to be breeding grounds for radical youths behind the wave of terror attacks in the region.

Last month, radical youths took over control of Musa, Sakina, Swafaa and Minaa mosques, forcing the police to move in.

Other reports indicate that some radical elements may have moved out of Mombasa to the neighbouring counties of Kilifi and Kwale due to sustained security raids.

Early last month, Muslim clerics said some elements from the terror group were moving into the county.