US Issues Warning over Possible Attack of Planes Over the Kenyan Airspace

American airlines have been warned to exercise caution when flying over the Kenyan airspace due to possible attack by extremists.

The advisory was issued last week by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to American civilian airliners and all operators of US-registered aircraft. 

FAA said: “Those persons are advised to exercise caution when flying into, out of, within, or over the territory and airspace of Kenya East of 40 degrees East longitude at altitudes below fl260 due to the possibility of extremist/militant activity.”

FAA, a government agency that regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the United States as well as over its surrounding international waters, indicated it will review the advisory by February 26th, 2020.

“Aircraft may encounter various anti-aircraft weapons, including manpads, small-arms, and indirect fire weapons such as mortars and rockets, which could target aircraft at low altitudes, including during the arrival and departure phases of flight and/or target airports and aircraft on the ground,” FAA added.

In recent years, Kenya has battled terrorism especially along the northeastern border where Al- Shabaab militants have staged many attacks, killing hundreds of people including policemen, army officers, and civilians.

FAA usually issues such travel warnings in consultation with the State Department for the security of American citizens.