US warns of al-Shabaab aircraft attacks in Kenya

The US government has warned of potential attacks by the al-Shabaab group targeting the Kenya airspace.

The US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) said the advisory is informed by assessments that Somalia’s Alshabab remains an active threat in Kenya and remains in possession of weapons capable of hitting aircraft at low altitudes of up to 25,000 feet — putting at risk arrival and departure phases of flights, especially on the popular aviation route through northeastern Kenya and Somalia.

The U.S Federal Aviation Authorty added that the group has expressed the intent to conduct additional attacks, including against aviation-related targets, in retaliation for Kenya sending troops to Somalia as part of the African Union mission.

The air routes covered by the FAA warning include those connecting Nairobi and Far Eastern countries like Dubai (UAE), India and China, among other destinations serviced by major airlines.