Kenya: Al-Shabaab claims assault on military base in Lamu county January 5

Event

Al-Shabaab released a statement during the early morning hours (local time) of Sunday, January 5, claiming that its fighters have assaulted a US military base in Lamu county. According to local media reports, gunfire and explosions have been reported at Camp Simba in Manda Bay. Initial reports indicate that a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) was used to start the attack. The situation remains fluid and details are still emerging.

Advice

Individuals in Lamu county are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the incident, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

Due to various security concerns, many Western governments advise against travel to a number of regions in the country, including areas bordering Somalia (parts of Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and Lamu counties), Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Nonessential travel to the city of Mombasa and several Nairobi neighborhoods (including Eastleigh and Pangani) is also advised against.