KENYAN PRESS REPORTS FOILED CAIRO TERROR ATTACK

UNCLAS NAIROBI 000627 SIPDIS TERREP FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/DSS/ITA, AF/E, S/CT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PTER KE SUBJECT: KENYAN PRESS REPORTS FOILED CAIRO TERROR ATTACK ¶1. (SBU) On Sunday, February 12, a leading Kenyan daily newspaper, the Nation, reported that Kenyan police arrested five individuals planning a terrorist attack in Cairo. ¶2. (SBU) Post has independently confirmed the arrests with high-level contacts at the Anti Terrorist Police Unit, although details of the attacks and planned prosecution remain vague. Initial information indicates the attack was planned to disrupt the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cairo on February ¶17. ¶3. (SBU) According to the newspaper report, available at http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcon tententry.asp?pre miumid=0&category_id=1&newsid=67079, the raid was an international effort involving Interpol, as well as South African and Egyptian police. The five suspects were arrested on Friday, February 10 in Nairobi and Wajir, a town located in the ethnically-Somali Northeast Province. Although there is no connection to these most recent arrests, Wajir is the location of the Kenyan Police December 2005 seizure of a rocket launcher and four rocket propellers. The press report indicated that one additional suspect remains at large. ¶4. (SBU) Post has confirmed that the suspects are being held and interrogated at Kenyan Police Criminal Investigations Division (CID) headquarters. Regional Security, Legal Attach and Regional Affairs Offices continue to press Kenyan authorities for further details of the investigation. Post will continue to closely monitor situation and update Department as appropriate. BELLAMY