The United States has denied reports that they had prior knowledge of the DusitD2 hotel attack, that left 21 people dead.
False reports on social media claimed the US government had warned the Kenyan governmenbt of an impending attack.
US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec further issued a statement responding to reports circulated on social media that a US delegation that had been booked at the hotel had changed the venue just a day before the attack.
“The United States continues to work closely with the Kenyan authorities to provide assistance in the aftermath of the January 15 DusitD2 Hotel terrorist attack. Contrary to some false reports on social media, the United States had no advance notice of the attack, nor did we ever advise American citizens or our staff to avoid the DusitD2 prior to the incident. We deplore the spread of false information in the wake of this tragedy, which only serves to hamper ongoing efforts to defeat terrorism. We reiterate our deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who were killed in this craven attack and wish a quick recovery to those who were injured. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Kenya.”
In his statement, Mr Godec said his country is working closely with the Kenyan authorities to provide assistance in the aftermath of the attack.
Contrary to some false reports on social media, the U.S. had no advance notice of the DusitD2 terrorist attack, nor did we ever advise American citizens or our staff to avoid the hotel prior to it. #Fakenews hurts efforts to defeat terrorism. My statement: https://t.co/2QbYhvGpYh
— Ambassador Bob Godec (@BobGodec) January 17, 2019
“We deplore the spread of false information in the wake of this tragedy, which only serves to hamper ongoing efforts to defeat terrorism,” Mr Godec said.
He added: “We reiterate our deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those who were killed in this craven attack and wish a quick recovery to those who were injured. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Kenya.”