Uganda's international airport under major terror alert after US intelligence say it will come under attack tonight
- U.S. embassy in Kampala warns of 'specific threat' by unknown group
- Alert came today as travellers flying to the U.S. faced tighter security
- Uganda is on high alert amid fears of attacks by the Islamist militant
- It has troops in Somalia as part of African Union force fighting Shebab
Uganda's main airport is under a major terror alert today after the U.S. embassy in Kampala warned of a 'specific threat' by an unknown group.
The alert came as travellers flying to the U.S. from Europe and the Middle East faced tighter security because of new concerns about the development of explosives that could circumvent airport security.
'The US embassy has received information from the Uganda police force that according to intelligence sources there is a specific threat to attack Entebbe International Airport by an unknown terrorist group today, July 3rd, between the hours of 9pm and 11pm (6pm GMT to 8pm GMT),' the statement said.
UPDF soldiers and police forces patrol streets in Kampala with a tactical operation vehicle after the US embassy in Uganda warned of a 'specific threat'
UPDF soldiers and police forces perform spot checks on travellers during patrols in the streets of Kampala
Although it did not name any group, Al-Qaeda linked Shebab insurgents have claimed recent attacks in Kenya and Djibouti, and at home in Somalia.
Uganda has troops in Somalia as part of the African Union force fighting the Shebab and is on high alert amid fears of attacks by the Islamist militants.
Army spokesman Paddy Ankunda said troops had been deployed at the airport and in the capital, some 20 miles from Entebbe.
'People must be vigilant in the face of this threat, report any suspicious individuals seen in their areas,' he said, calling on people to 'stay calm and alert.'
An AFP reporter said there was a heavy security presence, with soldiers marching down city streets, including special forces and snipers.
The U.S. embassy suggested people planning travel through the airport during Thursday evening should review their plans in light of the warning.
The U.S. embassy in Kampala warned of a 'specific threat' by unknown group to Entebbe International Airport
UPDF soldiers and police forces patrol streets in Kampala. The alert came as travellers flying to the United States from Europe and the Middle East faced tighter security because of new concerns about the development of explosives that could circumvent airport security
Entebbe's airport, on the shores of the vast Lake Victoria, was the site of the daring 1976 raid by Israeli special forces to free hostages
It also warned its citizens of a general threat of attacks which could target hotels, restaurants, clubs, malls, diplomatic missions, government buildings and transport.
But government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said the United States was being 'over sensitive in their warning', and urged people to continue with travel plans as normal.
'All the security measures have been taken,' he said. 'We encourage people to go on with their business.'
The Shebab claimed responsibility for the assault on the Westgate shopping centre that killed at least 67 people in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi in September last year as well as for two nighttime attacks on the Kenyan coast last month that killed around 60 people.
In May, a male and female suicide bomber blew themselves up in an attack on restaurant popular with Westerners in central Djibouti, killing a Turkish national.
Entebbe's airport, on the shores of the vast Lake Victoria, was the site of the daring 1976 raid by Israeli special forces to free hostages kidnapped on board an Air France aircraft by Palestinian and German gunmen.
Last month the U.S. warned citizens of the threat of attacks during televised screenings of the World Cup.
During the World Cup final four years ago, Somalia's Al-Qaeda linked Shebab insurgents killed at least 76 people after setting off explosions that ripped through two restaurants in the Ugandan capital.
Police spokesman Fred Enanga insisted the 'airport is very safe and secure', but added that security had boosted across the capital.
'We are at a very crucial stage because of the World Cup events held in town,' he said.
In Somalia, the Shebab have warned that violence will intensify during Islam's holy month of Ramadan, carrying out a string of bomb attacks and killings.
On Thursday, they claimed responsibility for shooting dead a lawmaker and his bodyguard.
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2679635/Ugandas-international-airport-major-terror-alert-US-intelligence-say-come-attack-tonight.html#ixzz36Qxv0qOp
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