The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) arrested 17 Kenyans including two suspected ISIS members, several foreign terrorist fighters and others involved in terrorism financing, radicalisation and propaganda.
The 17 were arrested during an international counter-terrorism operation in East Africa that led to the arrest of 37 suspects and the seizure of both small arms and heavy weapons. Those arrested include suspected members of ISIS, Al Shabaab and several foreign terrorist fighters.
The Kenyans were arrested during a joint Interpol and Afripol operation (November-December 2024) aimed at identifying and arresting suspects with links to terrorism and strengthening key border controls.
Through a statement, Interpol revealed that before the operation, each country had done the required amount of groundwork in regard to intelligence gathering.
Alleged Al-Shabaab terrorists while carrying out a parade
Photo
Council of Foreign Relations
“Prior to the operation, each participating country prepared an operational plan, gathering intelligence on terror-related targets, including individuals and their known locations,” Interpol stated.
“Interpol and Afripol consolidated and analysed this information and shared it with all participating countries, facilitating a significant exchange of criminal intelligence,” the organization added.
Further, Interpol noted that countries in the sting operation carried out strategic investigations and raids. Local law enforcement agencies received on-the-ground support from Interpol and Afripol officers who provided coordination, logistics and real-time data analysis.
The operation comes as Kenya continues to face the lingering threat of terrorism. The country has borne the devastating brunt of terror including the 1998 attack on the US Embassy, the 2013 Westgate Mall attack and the 2015 Garissa University terror attack that claimed 148 lives. Most recently, a terror attack on the Dusit D2 hotel complex in 2019 claimed 21 lives.
The two terror-fighting organisations emphasized the need for greater cooperation and collaboration amongst law enforcement agencies to curb terror in Kenya and by extension the East African region.
“East Africa’s complex landscape, marked by political instability, porous borders, and socioeconomic challenges, continues to provide an environment conducive to terrorist activity. As these groups seek to expand their reach beyond traditional areas of operation, it is essential that law enforcement agencies work together to stay ahead of these evolving threats. These positive results demonstrate the power of international collaboration in the fight against terrorism,” stated Cyril Gout, Interpol’s Acting Executive Director of Police Services.
“Tackling terrorism and organized crime demands a unified and forward-thinking strategy that addresses both immediate risks and the deeper vulnerabilities that enable them. This operation highlights the critical role of international cooperation and the exchange of intelligence in disrupting criminal networks and curbing their reach. AFRIPOL is dedicated to supporting Member States, enhancing regional partnerships, and fostering resilience to promote lasting safety and stability across Africa, ” added Ambassador Jalel Chelba, Acting Executive Director of Afripol.
The operation was delivered under the framework of the Interpol Support Programme for the African Union (ISPA). ISPA, which is a six-year programme that began in 2020 and will run till 2026 is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. It was designed to help Afripol strengthen its position as the lead institution in Africa for preventing and combating transnational organized crime, terrorism, cybercrime and financial crime.
Undated image of Interpol’s headquarters in Lyon, France
New York Times