Satellites monitor Kenyan-Somali border

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NAIROBI, Kenya, July 5 (UPI) -- Kenya's military is using satellites to patrol the country's borders.

The satellite surveillance systems are monitoring both Kiiwayu Island and the Kenyan-Somali border to detect any suspected al-Shabaab insurgents attempting to cross into Kenya.

The surveillance systems were established following reports that some suspected al-Shabaab militias fled into the area and were allegedly being harbored by locals, The Star newspaper reported Wednesday.

The U.S. government now lists al-Shabaab as a terrorist organization. For the past several months al-Shabaab militants have been subjected to U.S. drone attacks.

Militants fleeing the attacks have apparently been joined by others fearing an imminent invasion of Somalia by Kenya's military.

Kenyan security officials believe the al-Shabaab suspects, many of whom are crossing the border at night, are posing as Kenyans and attempting to blend in with the local populace.

The surveillance satellites are being monitored from the Kenya navy base at Manda Island.