At least five KDF soldiers were injured when they were attacked by Al-Shabaab fighters while on patrol in Mandera South. The soldiers were on Saturday evening in a joint operation with the Police, the Border Patrol Unit (BPU), the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
A KDF soldier was wounded in the forehead and was treated at the Elwak District Hospital before he was released in good condition.
Four others jumped from their vehicle to retaliate against the attackers and were injured. The soldier's G3 rifle was damaged after being shot by the attacker. Their patrol vehicle was also damaged in the hail of bullets.
The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and General Service Units (GSU) were deployed from Elwak camp for reinforcement.
This came days after an intelligence shared among security agencies indicated the presence of armed terrorists in the area.
"The information received from the herdsmen is that they saw Al-Shabaab terrorists between Wante and Alungu along the Elwak-Lafei road, about 25-30 of them and their motive is unknown," reads part of the statement.
A second report indicated that a group of suspected militants had approached the B9 road between Alungu and Kurakra in Mandera South.
Earlier in the week, Mandera County Commissioner Onemus Kyatha reported an increase in terror threats in the county.
"We have now increased external threats in our border area with Somalia, but all security measures are being taken to ensure that the upcoming holiday season is not disrupted," Kyatha said.
This month alone, Mandera has recorded at least four terrorist incidents, including attacks on security camps and security patrols, as well as roadside explosives.
A week ago, public transport was temporarily suspended after KDF bomb experts cleared the Mandera-Rhamu road following reports of improvised explosive devices planted on the road. The explosives were found and detonated.
Content created and supplied by: Reader's_Choice (via Opera News )
COMMENTS