The United States Embassy in Nairobi has clarified why a U.S. military aircraft was recently seen flying into Mombasa Port.
In a statement on Monday, September 28, the embassy explained that the aircraft was returning to the United States for servicing after completing counterterrorism operations in the region.
“Thanks to the Kenya Ports Authority for their support as U.S. aircraft head back to the U.S. for maintenance after supporting counterterrorism operations,” the embassy said.
The United States has maintained longstanding military cooperation with Kenya, particularly in the fight against terrorism in the Horn of Africa.
A week ago, the plane was spotted around the Port of Mombasa by curious Kenyans, who raised concerns on X, formerly Twitter.
The presence of a U.S. military plane in Kenyan airspace was particularly curious because the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) barred its employees from taking any photos or videos after the images of the plane surfaced online.
Images and videos which went viral last week showed the aircraft hovering a few feet off the ground, neither ascending nor descending. Notably, it was close to the port, where several shipping containers were visible.
While the embassy did not disclose the particulars of the operational details, such military planes are commonly used by the United States in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and logistical support roles during counterterrorism missions.
The specific aircraft sport in Mombasa is likely a V-22 Osprey, which combines features of a helicopter and a fixed-wing aeroplane.
One of its most distinctive features was the pair of huge rotors mounted on engine nacelles at the tip of its wings. Since the rotors are capable of tilting, they help the aircraft ascend upwards like a helicopter.
Once it is airborne, the rotors tilt forward, allowing the plane to transition into a horizontal flight.
In different operations across the globe, U.S. military aircraft assist in identifying terror threats, tracking militant movements and providing aerial support to allied forces who are on the ground.
Such aircrafts are typically fitted with sophisticated technology to assist in operations, including advanced radar, sensors and imaging systems which can detect terrorist activities from thousands of feet in the air.
Similar aircraft have been deployed in the U.S. by agencies like the Department of Defence and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) to support missions aimed at dismantling terror networks.
