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Uganda Police on Alert for 'Westgate-Style Attack'


Map of Uganda
Map of Uganda
Police in Uganda are on high alert, after the U.S. Embassy warned of a possible terrorist strike like the one that killed dozens at a Kenyan mall last month.

Police officials say the force has recalled all officers on leave and is denying other leave requests "until further notice."

The U.S. Embassy said late Tuesday it had received reports that a "Westgate-style attack" may soon occur in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.

The statement said embassy officials are sharing all information with Ugandan authorities, but that there was no information on the timing or location of the possible attack.

The last time Ugandan police went on high alert was July 2010, after twin bombings in Kampala killed at least 70 people.

Somali militant group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for that attack. The same group claimed responsibility for the September 21 assault on the Westgate mall in Kenya's capital, Nairobi.

Both Kenya and Uganda have troops in Somalia fighting the al-Qaida-linked group.
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