The government is on Friday set to launch a major security operation aimed at flushing out Al-Shabaab militants hiding in the extensive Boni forest in Lamu County.
Led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery, the country's top security heads on Friday arrived in Lamu for the launch of the operation dubbed “Operation Linda Boni”.
Troops from the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have been deployed to mount ground and aerial operations.
CS Nkaissery arrived at Manda airstrip accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe and Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett.
Reports indicate that Al-Shabaab militants have turned Boni forest into a safe haven where they train and plan terror attacks in the country.
A wave of terror attacks hit Lamu and the neighbouring areas prompting the offensive operation.
Among the key incidents was the attempt by the militants to overrun Baure military camp in June.
Read: 11 Al Shabaab Militiamen, 2 KDF Soldiers Killed in Lamu Attack
Hundreds of Al-Shabaab militants had also raided a village in Basuba where they lectured residents for hours.
Read Also: Suspected Al-shabaab Militants Invade Kenyan Village, Forcefully Preach to Locals
