Khat import brief ban aimed at averting possible terror attack -source

It has emerged that Somali government suspended flights transporting khat from Kenya to the country on security grounds amid intelligence the militant group Al-Shabaab would launch attacks during heavy airport traffic ahead of the IGAD Summit set for next week in Mogadishu.

Goobjoog News has learnt the decision to bar flights was aimed at reducing traffic at Aden Adde Airport during the IGAD Summit on September 10. An average of 20 planes land at the Aden Adde Airport every morning transporting khat from Kenya.

Sources indicate the arrangement was aimed at avoiding the Mogadishu based airport thus the reason Kenyan flights transporting khat re-routed to Kismayo southern Somalia and Galkaayo in central regions.

The Civil Aviation authority did not mention any reasons for cancellation of flights but only cited ‘special considerations’, a similar response from the transport Minister Ali Ahmed Jama.

Somalia will be receiving the largest delegation of heads of states next week since 1991 calling for tightened security. Al-Shabab has heightened attacks in Mogadishu ahead of elections set start this month.

The threat of another attack at airport facilities and flights remains a matter of concern for security agencies in Mogadishu even as the government seeks to present an image of stability to attract foreign investments.

A bomb sneaked into Dallo airlines plane in February exploded about half hour after takeoff from Aden Adde causing the plane to make an emergency reverse landing. One person identified as the bomber was sucked out of the plane.