Mandera, Kenya (KAAB TV) – At least seven Kenyan police officers sustained injuries following a roadside bomb explosion that targeted their vehicle in the volatile Mandera region, near the Kenya-Somalia border.
According to a statement issued by the Kenya Police Command, the officers were traveling between the Aresa and Khalalio areas in East Mandera when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). The blast reportedly impacted the rear section of the military vehicle, resulting in injuries to seven officers on board.
The officers were conducting a routine security patrol at the time of the attack. Some of the personnel in the vehicle managed to escape the explosion unharmed.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the incident, local authorities suspect the involvement of the Al-Shabaab militant group, which has orchestrated similar attacks in the region in the past. The Somalia-based terrorist group has a history of targeting security forces and civilians in Kenya’s northeastern counties, particularly Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa.
In response to the attack, Kenyan security forces have launched an intensive operation aimed at securing the area and flushing out suspected militants. Patrols have been increased, and additional forces have been deployed to restore calm and prevent further violence.
Mandera County, which shares a porous border with Somalia, continues to face persistent threats from extremist groups. The region has witnessed a rise in cross-border attacks, prompting ongoing counter-terrorism operations by the Kenyan government.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities.