US denies Al-Shabaab role
US ambassador to Kenya Scott Gration. The United States has denied involvement in the ongoing operation against Somalia's Al-Shabaab terror group October 28, 2011.
The United States has denied involvement in the ongoing operation against Somalia's Al-Shabaab terror group.
US ambassador to Kenya Major General (rtd) Scott Gration said Friday his country was only assisting Kenya in ensuring internal stability.
“We don’t have military operation outside the border of Kenya,” the envoy said during a news conference at the Department of Defence headquarters.
Mr Gration who once served as an instructor at Kenya Airforce denied reports that the US was assisting Kenya in the operation against Al-Shabaab.
“We have been providing our assistance in an overt way through the Kenya Navy, Army and Air Force for long time and we will continue. We are not in Somalia. Our support is through equipment,” the ambassador said.
He said the US was ready to give Kenya more equipment if it wants.
The envoy who was accompanied by Defence minister Yusuf Haji and Chief of the Defence Forces Julius Karangi said the US enjoys good relationship with Kenya.
Mr Haji said Kenya is yet to get official communication from Somalia’s President on why he did not want Kenyan forces to fight Al-Shabaab in the country.
“We hope we will get the information by Monday,” Mr Haji said.
