Security Heightened In Mandera to Counter Suspected Al-Shabaab Attack

Security has been significantly increased in Mandera as reports reached the security personnel of impending Al-Shabaab attack in the region.

According to the report, about 20 Al-Shabaab militiamen were spotted in Mandera, Bale-Ilman Kutulo, on Friday, October 11^th.

The militia group was said to have been spotted in the evening hours, with a donkey cart that is believed to have been containing arms and explosives including Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).

Police in Mandera is on high alert considering Al-Shabaab militants had previously in September attacked the same region, leaving a number of officers dead and others injured.

On Saturday, October 12^th, an armored General Service Unit (GSU) officer’s vehicle on patrol ran over an Improvised Explosive Device that was believed to have been planted by Al-Shabaab along Harehare road in Garissa.

The incident which was the most recent deadly attack directed at security personnel, happened at 4 pm, leaving the vehicle extensively damaged and the eleven GSU officers dead.

While receiving the bodies of the fallen officers at Wilson Airport with Cabinet Secretary for Interior Dr. Fred Matiang’i, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai sent his message of condolence to the families of the GSU soldiers and said that a joint patrol team has been deployed to the area.

Officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Administration Police, Rapid Response Police Unit and Kenya Police Service have been sent to Harehare Garissa to enhance security and pursue the Al-Shabaab attackers.

Garissa Governor, Ali Korane, Dadaab MP Mohamed Dahiye, and Liboi Ward Rep Hussein Ahmed, condemned the attack and cautioned the government to consider tarmacking the roads as the Al-Shabaab take advantage of the poor roads to plant explosive devices.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families, relatives, and colleagues of our gallant officers killed in an IED attack. We stand with their families and I wish to ask our officers not to get discouraged by these attacks,” said Dr. Dahiye.

The leaders further urged the government to change its course of action in fighting the Al-Shabaab and encouraged security teams to use foot patrol as compared to using vehicles as the attackers take advantage of rainy seasons.