Garissa, Kenya (KAAB TV) – At least eight police officers were seriously injured on the evening of Tuesday, August 5, after their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Banane-Yumbis road in Garissa County.
According to police sources, the officers, part of the Border Patrol Unit, were traveling in a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle when they hit the explosive device during a routine patrol. The blast occurred shortly after the team had engaged a group of suspected Al-Shabaab militants believed to be operating in the area.
The explosion was followed by an ambush, as the militants opened fire on the immobilized officers. A second vehicle, a Land Cruiser carrying reinforcement personnel, arrived quickly at the scene and managed to evacuate the injured officers from the burning MRAP under hostile conditions.
The injured officers were rushed to a local health facility for emergency medical care. Police later confirmed that they were stabilized before being airlifted to Nairobi for further treatment. Officials have not released the identities of the injured, but they confirmed that all eight suffered serious injuries.
The attackers are believed to have fled into the nearby bushland, taking advantage of the terrain and darkness. Security forces have since launched a manhunt, with multi-agency teams deployed to pursue the assailants. The area remains under close surveillance.
Garissa County, which borders Somalia, has experienced repeated attacks from Al-Shabaab, a Somali-based militant group that frequently targets Kenyan security forces and civilians near the porous border. The latest attack is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by the group.
Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed the incident, noting that despite intensified security operations in the region, terrorist threats persist. He emphasized that the government remains committed to neutralizing such threats and restoring long-term stability in border counties.
“This was a cowardly act meant to instill fear, but we are not backing down. Operations will continue, and we are tracking those responsible,” said Muchiri.
Security officials also noted that recent operations have disrupted Al-Shabaab networks and reduced the frequency of attacks. However, they cautioned that the threat remains high, particularly in remote areas where militants exploit the terrain and lack of infrastructure.
The instability in neighboring Somalia, which has lacked a stable central government for decades, continues to create a safe haven for extremist groups. This instability frequently spills over into Kenyan territory, complicating security efforts.
Residents of Garissa expressed relief following the swift response from security forces, but many remain anxious about the continued presence of militants in the region.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as efforts to dismantle terror cells continue.