One Dead, Dozens Wounded in Kenya Grenade Attacks

Fear of More Attacks Following Somalia Invasion

Who would’ve thought the Kenyan military invasion of southern Somalia last week would have unforeseen negative consequences?

In what is seen as the first retaliatory strikes by al-Shabaab inside of Kenya, a fair of hand grenade attacks hit the capital of Nairobi today, killing one and wounding dozens of others. Al-Shabaab has yet to claim responsibility, but is presumed to be responsible.

The first attack hit a bar in downtown Nairobi, injuring 12. The second attack targeted a crowded bus stop, killing one and wounding a large number of others.

US officials predicted al-Shabaab would launch attacks inside Kenya but said they would probably target foreigners. This led the Kenyan government to ratchet up security at high end hotels and other foreigner hot spots, and left Kenyan civilians open to attack instead.

The big fear among locals is that these attacks are just the first salvo in what will be a widening war, as Kenyan troops continue to march into southern Somalia and the al-Shabaab forces promise painful retaliation.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.