{UAH} Uganda Survives Massive Terrorist Attack
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10:03 AM |
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Uganda Survives Massive Terrorist Attack
Police have tightened security in social places especially in Kampala after suspected terrorists were apprehended on Saturday, Chimp Corps report.
While police did not provide the number of apprehended suspects, the U.S. Embassy in Kampala said in a statement that "Ugandan authorities reported the discovery of an Al Shabaab terrorist cell in Kampala."
Sources said at least 69 illegal immigrant workers were apprehended in a massivesecurity operation in the wee hours of Saturday. It remains unclear if the terrorists are among these suspects.
Police boss Gen Kale Kayihura said in a statement Saturday night that "a number of suspects belonging to a terrorist group have been arrested, and explosive materialswhich were meant to be used recovered."
He described the joint security operation which "foiled a terrorist attack" as "successful," adding, "While the operation is still ongoing, we are taking the precautionary measures" which include increasing vigilance of security at all public places, in particular vulnerable places such as hotels, shopping malls and supermarkets; markets, tourist sites, places of worship and other places of entertainment.
Other areas under a security blanket are bars and restaurants; universities and schools; taxi and bus parks; hospitals, camping sites, and public buildings.
"We urge all proprietors/ managers of all public places to closely work with the police and sister security agencies to activate counterterrorism measures especially strengthening access control at such places. We know this will inconvenience members of the public but we count on your understanding that it is for your own safety and security," warned Kayihura.
"We urge all organizers of all public events especially in open air spaces, and stadia, to closely work with police and sister security agencies in planning and organizing such events until they are over. This is to ensure that the public is not put in unnecessary danger," he added.
It remains unclear if the Al Shabaab fighters intended to avenge the death of their leader, Ahmed Godane in a recent U.S. airstrike in Somalia.
The jihadist group had threatened that its militants who ensure AMISOM forces pay dearly for Godane's blood.
Al Shabaaab have been losing key areas in Somalia to the advancing Ugandan-led AMISOM forces, with officials saying the extremist movement has resorted to guerrilla warfare.
Kayihura said Police are increasing patrols in the city, major towns, and other vulnerable places.
"All RPCs and DPCs have been ordered to mobilize crime preventers for purposes of gathering information, and for reinforcing police patrols."
Kayihura further pointed out that counter terrorism teams have been activated to raise awareness in the public and give tips on how to detect terrorists and terror objects and ordered immediately to go on radio and other media for this purpose.
Uganda maintains one of the finest police anti-terrorism police units comprising battle-hardened and heavily-armed commandos.
"The traffic police have been instructed to ensure that there is better discipline on our roads and high ways to minimize traffic jams. We urge all drivers and riders to be disciplined and avoid creating situations of traffic jams," said Kayihura, raising fears that terrorists could strike during heavy traffic jam in Kampala.
"We assure the public and the world at large that since the July 2010 attacks when we suffered a terror attack, terror groups have planned and unsuccessfully tried to launch terror attacks on Uganda but we have defeated them."
At least 79 people were killed in 2010 when Al Shabaab hit two hangouts in Kampala as they watched the finals of World Cup.
Kayihura said as security "demonstrated today, we shall effectively defeat whoever tries to endanger the lives and property of the people of Uganda.
Accordingly, members of the public should not panic. You continue going about their businesses but should exercise extra vigilance and report any suspicious or abnormal movements in your vicinity to the nearest police other security personnel or local council official. The Police will issue hotlines in addition to the existing ones at various divisions within the City and major towns."
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