A handout released by IntelCenter shows members of Somalia’s hardline Islamist rebel group al Shabaab. Photo/FILE
By JOHN NJAGI
Posted Sunday, April 24 2011 at 14:40
Posted Sunday, April 24 2011 at 14:40
Three suspected terrorists arrested in the border town of Liboi along the Kenya-Somali border have been handed over to the anti terrorism police unit in Nairobi.
Police in North Eastern Province co-ordinated the transfer of the trio by air.
The group includes a Sudanese national and two Kenyans. They were arrested by Kenya's security forces after being found in possession of suspected bomb making materials.
North Eastern Provincial Police boss Leo Nyongesa said the three suspects had been flown to Nairobi for further interrogation.
Police are trying to establish whether the three are linked to the Somalia based terrorist militia al-Shabaab.
“They have been transferred to Nairobi and they are now in the hands of the anti terrorism police unit,” Nyongesa said.
Heightened surveillance along the Kenya-Somali border led to the arrest of the three.
Al-Shabaab, which has been fighting over control of the lawless neighbouring country with international backed Transitional Federal Government forces, has threatened to strike targets in Kenya during the Easter season.
Following threats from the insurgent group, Kenyan security forces have been on high alert.
Police commissioner Mathew Iteere particularly advised Kenyans to be on the lookout in crowded places including shopping malls, entertainment spots and other areas where people are likely to converge as the enjoy the Easter season.
In Nairobi police officers guarded public places and commuters were thoroughly screened for any explosives before boarding buses to various destinations.
Mr Nyongesa said a contingent drawn from all security forces had been deployed to the porous border to ensure Al-Shabaab insurgents did not gain entry into the country.
“We are carrying out a joint operation of all security forces including the military to ensure the country is free from terrorists,’ said Mr Nyongesa.
Al-Shabaab has visited terror in the East African region in the past including the killing of 70 soccer fans in Kampala after an explosive went off as they watched the World Cup finals at an entertainment spot.
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