The threat of violent extremists operating in Somalia conducting a cross-border terror attack in Kenya using a unmanned aerial vehicle/system is at a critical high.
Early in October (2018), S.I Cyber Intelligence exploiting OSINT Systems to observe borderline aerospace behavior in Somalia and Kenya confirmed that the Al-Qaeda branch in Somalia, Harakat Al-Shabaab Mujahideen (HSM), flew a small surveillance vehicle (UAS) over a critical Kenya Border Security FOB in El-Ram in the North Eastern Prefecture.
S.I. also detected advanced UAS jamming and disabling capabilities after 7 drone crashes in Shabelle prefecture in Somalia. The crashes happened in the same area. These surveillance UAS originated from US Special Forces camp at Awdhegle. The ability to decommission an airborne UAS signals presence of capabilities to operate one, any worse, vast knowledge on these systems.
These possibilities are surreal that, the attempted assassination of Venezuelan President [Nicolás Maduro] using explosives-laden UAS should be viewed as a wake up call.
Shabaab is known for morphing strategy and adapting to new challenges. The terror group unlike many others, has not weakened, rather has become robust. The group’s focus is to be the Somali Taliban, whose sphere of influence is beyond the horn of Africa nation.
Previous reports of Al-Shabaab drones are scanty though the capture of Chinese drones meant for the Somali group operatives was accurately recorded.
Maybe, Kenya Security Forces must quickly acquire capabilities to jam and destroy unidentified unmanned aircraft systems.
