Unusual sight over the Port of Mombasa last week sparked widespread curiosity and speculation after videos and images of a U.S. military aircraft hovering motionless just feet above the ground went viral on social media.
The aircraft, captured in footage near the busy port with shipping containers visible below, appeared to defy conventional flight, neither ascending nor descending. The surreal scene prompted a flurry of questions from Kenyan citizens on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
The mystery deepened when it was revealed that the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) had subsequently barred its employees from taking any photos or videos of the area.
This week, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has broken its silence, confirming the aircraft’s presence and its mission. In a statement released on Monday, the Embassy clarified that the aircraft was part of a counter-terrorism team transiting through Kenya after completing an operational mission.
“Asante to Kenya Ports Authority for their support as U.S. aircraft head back to the U.S. for maintenance after supporting counterterrorism operations,” the official statement read.
While the Embassy did not disclose the specific location or nature of the mission, aviation experts and the aircraft’s distinctive profile point to it likely being a V-22 Osprey. This unique hybrid aircraft combines the vertical take-off and landing capabilities of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing airplane.
Its most recognizable features are the large rotors mounted on the ends of its wings. These rotors can tilt upward, allowing the Osprey to lift off like a helicopter, and then swivel forward to propel it at high speeds like a conventional aircraft during flight.
Such aircraft are typically fitted with a suite of sophisticated technology, including advanced radar, sensors, and imaging systems capable of detecting terrorist activities from thousands of feet in the air. They are commonly deployed by the U.S. Department of Defence and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and logistical support roles in missions aimed at dismantling terror networks.
The confirmation puts to rest the initial speculation surrounding the aircraft’s presence, firmly placing it within the scope of ongoing international security cooperation. The incident highlights the continuous, though often unseen, role of U.S. military assets in supporting counter-terrorism efforts in the region, even as they simply pass through for their journey home.
