FILE PHOTO: A boy carrying a toy gun stands near members of Somalia’s hardline al-Shabaab rebel group after attending Eid al-Adha prayers inside a football stadium north of the capital Mogadishu./Reuters
The UK has issued a travel advisory to its citizens visiting Kenya, warning them of the possibility of terror attacks in the East African country.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised U.K. nationals against visiting parts of the coastal region and the regions bordering Somalia, from where al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabaab terror group operates.
“Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Kenya. There is a heightened threat of terrorism, including terrorist kidnappings, across Kenya. Attacks, including terrorist kidnappings, could target Westerners, including British nationals. Attacks could occur at any time, including around religious or public holidays.” said a statement from the FCO, updated on Saturday.
The travel advisory comes following two terror attacks in Lamu this month, both claimed by al-Shabaab.
According to the FCO, around 190,000 U.K. nationals visit Kenya every year.
The department also urged U.K. nationals to remain vigilant while in Kenya, noting other incidents of violent crime including mugging, armed robbery and carjacking, particularly in the large cities.
Kenya is a favourite tourist destination for many Europeans, most of whom visit to enjoy its wildlife sightings and beaches.
The country has occasionally been a target for al-Shabaab, which wants Kenyan troops to abandon their support for Somalia in the fight against terrorism.
Source: UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)