Written By Lisa Murimi
A multi-agency security operation in Mandera has struck a significant blow to Al Shabaab, resulting in the deaths of four suspected militants and the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons.
The operation took place on Friday, July 12, as counter-terrorism units collaborated to dismantle the group’s presence near the volatile Kenya-Somalia border.
Acting on actionable intelligence, the security team located the insurgents in a concealed hideout within Banisa Sub-County.
The raid led to the discovery of a weapons cache, including a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), four RPG warheads, a PKM machine gun, three AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines, five pistols with magazines, and five mobile phones.
Despite the operation’s success, eight militants managed to escape, sustaining injuries. Security forces are now engaged in an intensive manhunt to track down these individuals.
This 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 a deadly attack on the Border Patrol Unit in Yumbis, resulting in the death of a police officer and underscoring the high stakes involved in this ongoing conflict.
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, neutralizing the insurgents and confiscating substantial logistical supplies.
Authorities have warned the public to remain vigilant, given the increased likelihood of retaliatory actions from Al Shabaab following these recent successes.
