NAIROBI (KAAB TV) – Kenya’s Northeastern province has witnessed an upsurge in terror attacks by the militant group Al-Shabaab, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 security officers over the past two days, as reported by Kenyan media.
On Tuesday (June 13) alone, a devastating incident occurred when a landmine struck a vehicle carrying security officers in Bodhei, Garissa County, leading to the loss of eight lives, according to the Daily Nation newspaper.
Earlier that day, gunmen, believed to be members of Al-Shabaab, targeted a bus en route from Nairobi to Mandera, opening fire and leaving three passengers wounded in Tarbaj, Wajir County.
Further incidents in recent days include an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack on a police vehicle transporting officers in Elwak on June 7, resulting in seven injuries. Additionally, on June 2, militants fired a rocket-propelled grenade at police officers conducting patrols on the Elele-Takaba road, causing the deaths of two officers and injuring five others.
Mandera County Commissioner Amos Mariba has attributed the escalating raids to the increased presence of militants within the county, as they flee an ongoing crackdown in Somalia.
He warned that the situation necessitates activating a comprehensive security response plan to track down these individuals.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has linked the rise in terrorist activities to improved vegetation and access to water following recent rainfall where fighters are able to survive in the forest.
The Somali military and allied clan militia have launched a robust offensive against Al-Shabaab, but reports indicate that the group has managed to acquire more weapons, enhancing its ability to carry out further attacks.
All signs indicate Al-Shabaab is scaling up its operations in Somalia and in Kenya.
Time to be vigilant.
They have restocked on weapons, regrouped and seem intent on new terror blitz.
Just in last 2 days 👇
Lamu: Mogadishu: pic.twitter.com/OT4GVoGwIV
— Rashid Abdi (@RAbdiAnalyst) June 11, 2023
The Nairobi-based analyst Rashid Abdi has emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, stating that Al-Shabaab is intensifying its operations both in Somalia and Kenya.
Over the past three weeks, Al-Shabaab has conducted three deadly assaults, including a raid on the African Union mission base in Bulo Marer, an attack on a Somali army camp in Masagawaa, and a siege on a beachside hotel in Mogadishu.
These incidents highlight the group’s determination to escalate its terrorist activities, underscoring the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of this growing threat.