The US Embassy in Kenya yesterday warned of the threat of an imminent attack in Mombasa, a top tourist destination, as Kenyan police arrested two Iranians on suspicion of planning bomb attacks.
“This is to alert all US citizens in Kenya, or planning to travel to Kenya in the near future, that the US Embassy in Nairobi has received information of an imminent threat of a terrorist attack in Mombasa, Kenya,” a statement said.
“All US government travel to Mombasa is suspended until July 1, 2012.”
France's Embassy in Nairobi also warned its citizens to be “extremely vigilant” in Mombasa and the surrounding area.
Top Kenyan police officials immediately made statements calling for calm. “Police are working around the clock to guarantee security in Kenya,” said Kenyan police commissioner Mathew Iteere.
Police spokesman Eric Kiraithe told AFP: “There is no cause for alarm, security agents are ahead of events. We are even working with the FBI and other international agencies in this war.”
The warnings came as Kenyan police said they had detained two Iranian nationals over suspected links to a terror network planning bombings in Mombasa and in the capital Nairobi.
“We are holding these two suspects, and they are being interrogated to establish their involvement in terrorism activities,” said Aggrey Adoli, police chief for Coast province.
2 Iranians held as US sees imminent attacks in Kenya
