A multi-agency security operation in Mandera has dealt a significant blow to Al Shabaab, resulting in the deaths of four suspected militants and the recovery of a cache of weapons.
The operation unfolded on Friday, July 12, as counter-terrorism units worked in unison to dismantle the group’s presence near the volatile Kenya-Somalia border.
Acting on actionable intelligence, the security team located the insurgents in a well-concealed hideout within Banisa Sub-County.
The raid led to the discovery of an impressive cache of weapons, including a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), four RPG warheads, a PKM machine gun, three AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines, five pistols complete with magazines, and five mobile phones.
Despite the successful operation, reports indicate that eight militants managed to escape, sustaining injuries in the process.
The security forces are now engaged in an intensive manhunt to track down these individuals.
This latest incident reflects a broader trend of heightened security operations along the Kenya-Somalia border, a region plagued by persistent militant activity.
Just two months ago, Al Shabaab launched an audacious attack on the Border Patrol Unit in Yumbis, resulting in the death of a police officer and illustrating the high stakes involved in this enduring conflict.
On that fateful day in May, militants fired RPGs, PKM machine guns, and AK-47s at the officers stationed near the border, demonstrating their continued capability to inflict harm.
The Garissa County Police Commander, John Samburumo, confirmed the chilling details of the incident, which served as a stark reminder of the volatility of the area.
In tandem with these operations, Kenya’s military forces remain vigilant in their ongoing fight against Al Shabaab.
In a related operation in Lamu, six militants, including a foreign fighter, were killed following a targeted raid on a suspected Al Shabaab camp. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) executed the operation with precision, managing to neutralise the insurgents and confiscate substantial logistical supplies, highlighting the ongoing commitment to combating this threat.
The KDF's statement emphasised the urgency of the operation, which was prompted by intelligence suggesting that the group was planning imminent attacks in the area. Such revelations illustrate the constant pressure faced by security forces as they seek to pre-empt further violence.
Authorities have issued warnings to the public to remain vigilant, particularly given the increased likelihood of retaliatory actions from Al Shabaab following the recent operational successes.
