US Embassy in Nairobi closed today after attack

US Embassy in Nairobi closed today after attack

The United States Embassy in Nairobi has been shut for the day following Thursday’s killing of a man who attacked a General Service Unit (GSU) officer guarding the facility.

In a statement on its website, the Embassy said it was cancelling consular services but would retain emergency services for American citizens.

Further, the Embassy urged US nationals to remain vigilant by monitoring local news updates and travel warnings.

“We strongly recommend that US citizens traveling to or residing in Nairobi enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the U.S. Embassy,” read the statement.

The man who was killed was attempting to gain entry into the facility when the GSU officer intervened.

Then, the assailant pulled out a knife stabbed the GSU officer before he was gunned down.

Even though the US Embassy did not give reasons for the temporary closure, past incidents may have informed the decision especially after the deadly attack in Benghazi five years ago.

On September 11, 2012, militants attacked the US Embassy in Libya leading to the death of US Ambassador Christopher Stevens, a senior state department official and two Navy Seals.

In Benghazi, American authorities initially said the attack was random but it turned out that it was a pre-planned strike leading to the questioning of US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton who was then the Secretary of State.

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