KDF Convoy Ambush by al-Shabaab Leaves 5 Dead

KDF soldiers during one of their missions in Somalia.
KDF soldiers during one of their missions in Somalia.
File

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) servicemen killed five al-Shabaab terrorists after being ambushed on Monday, September 21, in Alungu, Lafey Mandera county.

The ambush is reported to have happened at around 6.45 a.m. when the militants attacked a convoy of KDF soldiers along the Lafey, Alungu-Elwak Road.

Witnesses report that the gunfire lasted for about 30 minutes leaving five terrorists dead with some of the KDF officers sustaining injuries.

Photo of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers in Somalia.
Photo of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers in Somalia.
Telegraph

Unconfirmed reports indicated that one security officer was also killed in the attack while two others were left injured in the early morning ambush.

The Counter-Terrorism and National Security Intelligence, a publication that focuses on intelligence reported that the death toll of the militants rose to five after a body was later found in a nearby bush.

"KDF Counter-Terrorism Operations following today’s incident in Alungu Lafey, NEP Kenya. Four Terrorists who are members of the Al-Qaeda affiliate Shabaab al-Mujahideen have been Killed and their assault rifles recovered by army troops.

"Fifth body of Al-Shabaab Terrorist recovered by KDF Troops in the Alungu Counter-Terrorism Operations today. Five Terrorists were killed after they ambushed a military convoy Monday morning in Alungu, Lafey in NEP Kenya," reads the statement in part.

The KDF convoy was reported to have been headed to a local airstrip when the surprise attack from al-Shabaab militants happened.

The al-shabaab terrorists are said to have used grenades and rifles in the attack before retreating into a bush when KDF retaliated.

With the area being close to the Kenya-Somalia border, it has been prone to attacks from Al Shabaab due to the porous borders.

This comes at a time when the country is marking the seventh anniversary of the Westgate Shopping Mall attack that claimed the 68 lives.

Kenya has managed to beef up security with the last major terrorist attack happening back in January 2019.

Photo of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers in Somalia.
Photo of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers in Somalia.
Telegraph
  • . . . . . .