Following terrorist attack, Kenyan Catholic leaders sound alarm

NAIROBI, Kenya -- Catholic leaders in Kenya are sounding an alarm after a terror attack killed three Americans and forced local people to flee.

The clerics feared the attack in Manda Bay in Lamu County -- which occurred amid increasing tension in the Middle East -- could be an act of revenge linked to the recent killing of the top Iranian military leader. It also could be retaliation for U.S. airtstrikes targeting al-Shabab fighters after a truck bomb in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, killed at least 79 people.

"We are condemning the attack, which has disrupted peace and tranquility in the region," Father Wilybard Lagho, vicar general of the Mombasa Archdiocese, told Catholic News Service. "I think the war on terror is redefining itself in the global scale. We are likely to see dormant terror cells reawakening."

On Jan. 5, al-Shabab, the Somalia-based al-Qaida affiliate in East Africa, raided a military base in Manda Bay, killing one U.S service member and two Department of Defense contractors. Two other Americans were injured, said the U.S Africa Command.

U.S forces use the military base to provide training and offer counterterrorism support to East African countries.

Kenyans reportedly fled the area in large numbers, fearing further attacks. In the past, al-Shabab has targeted churches, Christians, public places and government installations.

On Jan. 2, militants struck a bus convoy, killing at least three people.

Father Nicholas Mutua, justice and peace coordinator in the Garissa Diocese, which covers some parts Lamu County, said the church is extremely worried about its clergy in the area.

"They are hitting soft targets (which includes the churches). I think this is about revenge. It's a time bomb, and the government must act fast to ensure the people are safe," said Father Mutua, adding that church officials were constantly monitoring the developments.