Written by
Faridah N Kulumba
Africa-Press-Kenya. The United States Embassy in Nairobi last weekend held a Joint Readiness Exercise attended by representatives from the Kenyan government and the US Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
During the exercise, there were simulated explosions, smoke, blank gunfire, and fire, and traffic disruptions in the areas surrounding the embassy and Rosslyn Academy. And the drill caused panic in the area as some Kenyans mistook it for a real attack, reported by the Star.
The aim of Counter-Terrorism Drill in Kenya
According to Andrew Veveiros, US Embassy spokesman, this was the sixth exercise and was aimed at making sure the security agencies are ready for various situations. The drill is part of an effort to ensure a coordinated response from the agencies.
This is a regular exercise to ensure the security agencies are ready for terrorism attacks. The US continues to work with Kenya in ensuring safety and security of all. It is a depiction of a possible real situation.
US Warning
Last month the US warned Americans against travelling to Kenya, due to the high crime rate witnessed in some areas. The US cited cases of terror attacks targeting both locals and foreigners among the reasons for the travel advisory.
The militia attacks in Kenya
Al Shabaab militia group has been a constant threat in Kenya with numerous attacks which have cost hundreds of lives.On 7 August 1998, Al Qaeda terrorists detonated a car bomb outside the United States embassy in Nairobi, leaving 200 dead and thousands injured.
In 2013 the Somali militant group Al-Shabaab attacked Westegate Mall where more than 70 people died and many injured. And in 2019 the same militia group attacked Dusit D2 complex in Nairobi
The US SOPs in Kenya
In June 2021, the United States President Joeseph Biden approved the deployment of U.S Special Operations Troops to Kenya in a bid to aid the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops clash the Al Shabaab militia group.
This followed President Biden’s letter titled War Powers Resolution to the United States Congress affirming the approval, but it did not indicate the number of Armed Forces being deployed to Kenya, The Citizen reported.
Biden’s letter aimed at informing the US Congress before sending American troops to any environment which is deemed hostile due to presence of terror groups within the region and the congress are notified within 48 hours of having done so.
Kenya has repeatedly been the target of terrorist attacks. And according to the current Political and Security Issues Congressional Research Service Summary, the U.S government view Kenya as a strategic partner and anchor state in East Africa, and as a critical to counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
Kenya is a top recipient of police and military counter-terrorism assistance on the continent, hosts the largest U.S diplomatic mission in Africa. Nairobi is home to one of four major United Nations offices Worldwide.
