Ugandan security forces stopped a cell of Somalia’s al Qaeda linked Shebab insurgents apparently “planning for an imminent attack,” the US embassy said Saturday.
Arrests were made, police said, in raids two weeks after Ugandan troops, fighting in Somalia, reportedly provided intelligence that helped US special forces kill the Shebab’s chief in a devastating air strike.
“Ugandan authorities reported the discovery of an al Shebab terrorist cell in Kampala,” the US embassy said in a statement, adding that forces were working to see “whether there are members of the cell still at large.”
Citizens were urged to stay at home on Saturday.
“We remain in close contact with our Ugandan counterparts as investigations continue into what appears to have been planning for an imminent attack,” the US added.
Police spokesman Fred Enanga said forces had “made arrests” but gave no details of how many people had been detained.
“Joint security agencies in Uganda have foiled a terrorist attempt at one of its installations,” Enanga said, without giving any further information.
Security forces have boosted patrols around major sites, the US said, in a warning statement to its citizens in the east African nation.
“At this point we are not aware of specific targets, and the Ugandan authorities have increased security at key sites, including Entebbe International Airport,” the embassy said.
Last Monday the US embassy warned that Shebab insurgents may try to exact revenge for a US air strike that killed the militant group’s commander.
“Stay alert to the ongoing potential for terrorist attacks in Uganda,” it said.
