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Kenya bans all flights to Somalia Kenya bans all flights to Somalia
(20 minutes later)
Kenya has banned all flights to Somalia, citing security fears.Kenya has banned all flights to Somalia, citing security fears.
The ban comes two weeks after the US issued a warning about suicide attacks from Islamist militants in Somalia.The ban comes two weeks after the US issued a warning about suicide attacks from Islamist militants in Somalia.
Kenya is the main entry point for international travel to Somalia and is also the source of much of the popular stimulant khat, consumed in Somalia.Kenya is the main entry point for international travel to Somalia and is also the source of much of the popular stimulant khat, consumed in Somalia.
Islamists control much of southern Somalia, which has not had an effective government since 1991. Their forces clashed with rivals at the weekend. There were protests earlier this year when the Islamists who control much of southern Somalia banned the sale of khat during the holy month of Ramadan.
Khat is chewed by many Somali men, especially the gunmen who have fought for control of the country for the last 15 years.
There were six flights a week from Nairobi to the Somali capital, Mogadishu, and services to three other towns and many more khat flights each day.There were six flights a week from Nairobi to the Somali capital, Mogadishu, and services to three other towns and many more khat flights each day.
Kenyan khat, or miraa, growers have condemned the flight ban.Kenyan khat, or miraa, growers have condemned the flight ban.
Drug banDrug ban
Maoka Maore, MP for the central Ntonyiri constituency, said that 20 tons of khat, worth $800,000 was sent to Somalia each day.Maoka Maore, MP for the central Ntonyiri constituency, said that 20 tons of khat, worth $800,000 was sent to Somalia each day.
"Even if you close it for a week, the effects are going to be devastating," he told the BBC's Network Africa programme."Even if you close it for a week, the effects are going to be devastating," he told the BBC's Network Africa programme.
KHAT Stimulant, making the user more alert and talkativeAppetite suppressorAfter a few hours, it produces a state of calmA chemical found in khat could boost the power of men's spermLong-term use can bring on insomnia, heart problems and sexual problemsCan bring on anxiety and aggression Health fears over khat use "All of our productive land is in miraa farms."KHAT Stimulant, making the user more alert and talkativeAppetite suppressorAfter a few hours, it produces a state of calmA chemical found in khat could boost the power of men's spermLong-term use can bring on insomnia, heart problems and sexual problemsCan bring on anxiety and aggression Health fears over khat use "All of our productive land is in miraa farms."
Khat is chewed by many Somali men, especially the gunmen who have fought for control of the country for the last 15 years.
The Islamists have tried to clamp down on the trade since their rise over the past five months.The Islamists have tried to clamp down on the trade since their rise over the past five months.
They banned its sale during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, sparking street protests in Kismayo.They banned its sale during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, sparking street protests in Kismayo.
In weekend fighting, the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) say they have taken control of the town of Bandiradley, near the border with the Puntland region.In weekend fighting, the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) say they have taken control of the town of Bandiradley, near the border with the Puntland region.
Witnesses said at least eight people were killed in the fighting.Witnesses said at least eight people were killed in the fighting.
Semi-autonomous Puntland has escaped much of the anarchy, which has ravaged southern Somalia since 1991.Semi-autonomous Puntland has escaped much of the anarchy, which has ravaged southern Somalia since 1991.
Somalia's transitional government, formed at peace talks in Kenya, only controls the territory around the town of Baidoa.Somalia's transitional government, formed at peace talks in Kenya, only controls the territory around the town of Baidoa.
There are fears of a regional conflict starting in Somalia, as Ethiopia backs the government and its rival Eritrea is accused of arming the Islamists.There are fears of a regional conflict starting in Somalia, as Ethiopia backs the government and its rival Eritrea is accused of arming the Islamists.
Ethiopia denies having fighting forces in Somalia but admits to having hundreds of military trainers, while Eritrea denies backing the UIC.Ethiopia denies having fighting forces in Somalia but admits to having hundreds of military trainers, while Eritrea denies backing the UIC.