UK Issues Terror Alert, Cautions Against Travel in 6 Areas

The UK High Commission issued a security alert to its citizens, cautioning them of a possible terror threat in the country.

In a notice dated Thursday, February 9, the UK embassy noted a potential terror threat and related kidnappings in the country.

Consequently, the citizens were advised to avoid travelling to six areas, including the Kenya-Somalia border and parts of the Kenyan Coast.

The other five areas restricted for non-essential travel were Eastern Garissa County, Mandera County (excluding Mandera West sub-county), Lamu County) excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island) areas of Tana River County (north of the Tana river itself) and Athi-Galana-Sabaki) river.

An aerial photo of Nairobi CBD.

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Additionally, UK citizens were advised to take precautions in highly populated areas as they were the key target.

"Attacks could occur anytime, including around religious or other public holidays or celebrations.

"The attacks could be indiscriminate in places frequented by foreigners, including hotels, bars, restaurants, sports bars and nightclubs, sporting events, supermarkets, shopping centres, commercial buildings and coastal areas including beaches.

Government buildings, including Embassies, airports, places of worship, and bus and train stations, were also highlighted in the list.

The advisory came a day after the US embassy also issued a similar advisory to its citizens as they noted that the government had increased anti-terror patrols in the country.

"High traffic areas frequented by foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya," read the notice in part.

Consequently, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) released photos and names of five suspected terrorists they were hunting down.

The police called on the public to help them by providing information about the suspected terrorists.

A photo of a terror suspect released by the DCI on February 9, 2023.

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