Al-Shabab attacks military base used by U.S. forces in Kenya

Source: Politico | January 5, 2020 | Associated Press

NAIROBI, Kenya — The U.S. military said the security situation was “fluid” at a Kenyan airfield used by U.S. forces after a pre-dawn attack Sunday by the al-Shabab extremist group. The attack destroyed U.S. aircraft and vehicles, Kenyan authorities said, and at least four attackers were killed.

It was not yet clear whether any U.S. or Kenyan forces were killed. A U.S. Africa Command statement said “an accountability of personnel assessment is underway.” The midday statement said the Manda Bay airfield was “still in the process of being fully secured.”

The al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab, based in nearby Somalia, claimed responsibility and asserted that “intense” combat with U.S. forces continued. The U.S. statement called the al-Shabab claims exaggerated and said U.S. and Kenyan forces repelled the attack.

It is the first known al-Shabab attack against U.S. forces inside Kenya, a key base for fighting one of the world’s most resilient extremist organizations.

A plume of black smoke rose above the base. Residents said a car bomb had exploded. Lamu county commissioner Irungu Macharia told The Associated Press that five suspects were arrested and were being interrogated.

……..

Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.