U.S. issues travel warning for Djibouti over terror threat
Wed Nov 26, 2014 11:56am GMT
NAIROBI Nov 26 (Reuters) - The United States has issued a warning to
travellers citing "specific threats from terrorism" aimed at Western and
local interests in the east African nation of Djibouti.
Djibouti hosts U.S. and French military bases and is an ally in the U.S.-led
fight against militant Islam.
Somali al Qaeda-linked militants have previously attacked Djibouti, saying
it was to punish the east African state for contributing to an African Union
force in Somalia.
"Attacks may target official government facilities, including embassies and
military installations, as well as soft targets such as restaurants, clubs,
hotels and other commercial entities," the U.S. advisory said.
"While Djiboutian officials continue the pursuit of those responsible for
previous terrorist attacks, many of those involved remain at large and still
operate in the region," said the advisory, released on Tuesday.
In May, two people were killed in grenade blasts in Djibouti city at a busy
restaurant popular with Westerners. Somalia's al Shabaab Islamist rebel
group claimed responsibility. (Reporting by Edith Honan; Editing by Edmund
Blair and Janet Lawrence)