Kenya Foils Major Terror Plot in Nairobi During Ramadan

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the SOG elite unit have foiled a major terror attack planned for Nairobi during the holy month of Ramadan, authorities said Thursday. The operation disrupted a network believed to be linked to Somalia-based extremist group Al-Shabaab.

The suspects were arrested at a Nairobi hideout late Tuesday as they were allegedly finalizing plans for a coordinated strike. Officials said the raid followed weeks, possibly months, of intelligence work, including intercepted communications and surveillance.

Authorities seized a cache of weapons and supplies, including five AK-47 rifles, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, six hand grenades, a Makarov pistol, medical supplies, and food provisions. Security officials said the arsenal demonstrated the group’s readiness to carry out sustained violence.

“This cache is chilling in its scope. Neutralizing it before it could be deployed was critical to saving lives,” said a senior security official who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the investigation.

Security sources said intelligence also pointed to plans for kidnappings and other attacks during Ramadan. Analysts noted that the coordination between intelligence gathering and tactical response has improved significantly in recent years, allowing pre-emptive disruption of threats.

Authorities are now analyzing seized electronic devices and documents to trace the network’s financing, recruitment channels, and possible foreign connections. The operation is the latest in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to prevent terror attacks stemming from instability in neighboring Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE