- The September 11 attacks, commonly known as 9/11, were four coordinated Islamist terrorist suicide attacks carried out by al-Qaeda against the United States in 2001.
- On that morning, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airlines scheduled to travel from the East Coast to California.
Image: HANDOUT
Image: HANDOUT
Kenyan security officials said they had heightened security in the country as the world marked 23 years since the 9/11 attack at Twin Towers in New York.
The officials said they had disrupted terror-related plans in various parts of the country in the period preceding the anniversary.
“It is not only in Kenya but the region at large where alerts were issued over threats by the terrorists to attack. We have done our work, and with the help of the public, we have managed a lot. We can’t shout,” said an informed official.
He added they have covered many areas to ensure stability and safety at large.
The September 11 attacks, commonly known as 9/11, were four coordinated Islamist terrorist suicide attacks carried out by al-Qaeda against the United States in 2001.
On that morning, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners scheduled to travel from the East Coast to California.
The East Africa region has been on alert following reports terrorists may try an attack to mark the day.
This included operations that led to the arrest of dozens of people who were interrogated and released as a measure to disrupt any plans for attacks.
As part of the planned operations, the acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli led a team of senior security officers on a two-day tour to evaluate the security situation and officers’ preparedness in the Northern region following reports of possible terror attacks.
Masengeli was accompanied by the Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin and the General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni to also plan operations in the region to downgrade the activities of the terrorists.
The officers engaged with local authorities and enhanced security protocols in the wider northern region amid persistent attacks by terrorists.
According to the police boss, the assessment is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the regional security landscape and implement effective solutions.
“The outcome of this assessment will pave the way in maintaining peace and order in all corners of the nation,” he said.
The region has borne the brunt of many terror attacks because of its proximity to Somalia.
The team visited the Special Operations Group (SOG), an elite police unit under the Border Patrol Unit (BPU) whose main function is to protect the main borders in Kenya.
SOG officers are among the best-trained officers in modern police operations and work with other government agencies in efforts to address terror threats.
Before his appointment on July 12, Masengeli was the head of the 1000-strong SOG, where his role entailed identifying and analysing insecurity early warning signs, budgeting, and disseminating resources for security operations.
The team visited Mandera and Wajir, which are some of the most affected areas by terrorism due to their proximity to Somalia.
The al Shabaab terrorists cross at will to attack and run back to Somalia amid security operations.
Reports indicate that some of these attacks are being aided by the residents and have led to the deaths and serious injuries of both civilians and security officers.
The terrorists have been planting explosives on the routes used by the security agencies.
SOG is to be strengthened to boost its effectiveness and dealing with terror in the region.
The establishment of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF-K) has also bolstered Kenya's counter-terrorism efforts, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the US Department of State.
This specialised unit has enhanced Kenya's capacity to investigate and prosecute terrorists, leading to increased conviction rates.
Officials, however, say more measures have been put in place to address terror threats. They include the deployment of more equipment and personnel to the regions affected by the menace.
The border region has borne the brunt of repeated attacks from the militants, who are at times aided by residents. Somalia has not had a stable government after the fall of Siad Barre in 1991.
The area is near the Somalia border and the militants usually cross at will and stage attacks before escaping back.
Al-Shabaab terrorists have been attacking places in the region, especially in Mandera and Garissa counties, after breaching security zones, which left dozens of civilians and security officials dead and wounded.
The terrorists have been planting explosives on the routes used by the security agencies.
Kenyan troops are in Somalia to pursue and suppress the activities of the terror group. But the terrorists keep crossing to Kenya for attacks