The United States Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has issued stern warnings to airlines flying in the Kenyan airspace citing a possible attack by a terror group, with the latest advisory highlighting that Somalia-based terrorist group, Al-Shabaab is still an active threat in the region.
“Exercise caution during flight operations to the possibility of attacks on civi aviation by extremists/militants. Aircraft may encounter fire from small arms; indirect fire weapons, such as mortars and rockets; and anti-aircraft capable weapons, including ,an-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). Such weapons could target aircraft at low altitudes, including during the arrival and departure phases of flights. such weapons and /or target aiports and aicraft on the ground, especially at airports located East of 10 degrees longtitude,” the FAA said in its advisory to airlines.
Some of the routes listed in the Kenyan airspace by FAA include those connecting Nairobi and eastern counties like India, and China, among other destinations serviced by major airlines.
Others routes include the planes overpassing Eastern Kenya with Garissa county being on the list as it borders Somalia.
According to multiple reports, Kenya has since downplayed the alerts, assuring everyone that law enforcement authorities are on high alert to counter any threats.
