Israel-Hamas: Kenya Warns Of Possible 'Solidarity' Attacks By Al-Shabaab

Kenya issued a stark warning on Thursday about the potential for "solidarity" attacks by groups like Al-Shabaab following the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas. The East African nation has been a target of violent attacks by the Somalia-based extremist group since it deployed troops in 2011 to combat Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists in its neighboring Somalia. The Kenyan Counterterrorism Police Service, via its official Twitter account, underscored the global implications of the Israel-Hamas conflict. It stated, "Conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza impacts global security." The message went on to express concerns that terror groups such as Al-Shabaab might carry out attacks in solidarity with Hamas to maintain their relevance. The police service urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities for prompt action. Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously condemned the "unprovoked attack by Hamas militants on the people of Israel" on Saturday, emphasizing the threat it posed not only to the Middle East but also to global peace and security. Kenya has been a significant contributor to the African Union forces supporting the central government of Somalia in its ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab. However, this commitment has come at a price, with Kenya experiencing a series of deadly retaliatory attacks. The country recently marked the 10th anniversary of the Westgate shopping center siege in Nairobi in 2013, which claimed the lives of 67 people. In the aftermath of Westgate, Al-Shabaab militants targeted Garissa University in eastern Kenya in 2015, resulting in the deaths of 148 people, the majority of whom were students. It stands as the second deadliest attack in Kenya's history, surpassed only by Al-Qaeda's 1998 bombing of the US embassy in Nairobi, which claimed 213 lives. Kenya has faced repeated threats from Al-Shabaab, including the 2019 attack on the upscale Dusit hotel complex in Nairobi. Additionally, in 2002, an Al-Qaeda suicide car bombing at an Israeli-owned resort hotel near Mombasa killed at least 13 people, including three Israelis, and an Israeli jetliner narrowly escaped a missile attack upon takeoff from Mombasa airport.