The Hindu : Security beefed up in Nairobi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 20, 2003

Sport

Sport - World Cup

Security beefed up in Nairobi

South Africas' elite anti-terrorist unit flew to Nairobi on Wednesday to boost security ahead of Kenya's clash with Sri Lanka on February 24.

The 43-member Special Task Force, made up of armed police and bomb disposal experts, will spearhead security operations at the group B match, the only game Kenya will host following New Zealand's decision to boycott its scheduled encounter in Nairobi on February 21.

The Kiwis want their game switched to a venue in South Africa claiming the country is not safe for them to visit following terrorist attacks last year.

"This is the first international operation of its kind, " said superintendent Charmaine Miller, police spokeswoman for the World Cup.

"We have helped in cross-border operations in the past but this is the first time we have been involved in a large scale international security project involving skilled personnel, equipment and planning of this nature."

New Zealand said it had security concerns over playing in Kenya since a November bombing killed 16 people in Mombasa.

If the International Cricket Council (ICC) turns down New Zealand's request for a new venue, Stephen Fleming's men will be docked four points which could cost them a berth in the Super Six stage.

Sri Lanka has always insisted it would go ahead with the February 24 game in Nairobi.

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