US warns of attack threat against major hotel in Nairobi

The United States warned Thursday that extremists may be plotting an attack against a major hotel in Nairobi, urging its citizens to be cautious.

"The exact hotel has not been identified, but it is believed to be a hotel popular with tourists and business travelers," the State Department said in a travel alert.

The State Department urged US citizens to "exercise increased vigilance" if staying in hotels around Nairobi and to be aware of buildings' emergency evacuation plans.

In Kenya a US embassy alert warning of the threat went out to citizens, while police on Thursday released a "periodic security alert" saying security had been stepped up as there were "a few criminal elements who may wish to cause harm to the public."

"We wish to caution the public to be extra vigilant even as the police and other security agencies continue to work around the clock to ensure the safety and security of our country and Kenyans at large," read the statement, which gave no specific details.