Two Al-Shabaab militants killed in Mandera counter-terror operation
This operation follows another successful counter-terror mission in Garissa County last week, where SOG units killed four Al-Shabaab militants in Najo and Guracho areas. In that incident, security forces using drone surveillance tracked and engaged the militants.
Kenyan special forces have killed two Al-Shabaab militants and foiled a planned improvised explosive device (IED) attack along the Alungu-Elwak road in Mandera County.
The Counter Terrorism Police Unit (CTPU) reported that its Special Operations Group (SOG) acted on credible intelligence to launch a pre-dawn operation against militants preparing to attack civilians using the strategic route.
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Security forces engaged the terrorists as they were in the final stages of planting explosives along the main road. A fierce firefight ensued, leaving two militants dead and several others wounded before they fled into nearby thick scrubland.
"The terrorists were caught in the act of setting up the IED. Two militants were neutralised during the exchange of fire, with others sustaining serious injuries before escaping. Our officers remain in pursuit," stated the CTU incident report.
Authorities recovered two AK-47 rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) warhead, and a fully assembled IED.
Two AK-47 rifles recovered during the operation.
Security analysts confirm the device could have caused mass casualties had it detonated.
This operation follows another successful counter-terror mission in Garissa County last week, where SOG units killed four Al-Shabaab militants in Najo and Guracho areas. In that incident, security forces using drone surveillance tracked and engaged the militants.
They recovered multiple AK-47 rifles, a PKM machine gun, numerous ammunition rounds and communication radios.
Al-Shabaab continues to present a major security challenge in northeastern Kenya, particularly in border counties of Garissa, Mandera and Wajir that border Somalia. The group exploits the porous border to conduct cross-border attacks targeting both security personnel and civilians.
The CTU emphasised that these operations demonstrate Kenya's continued counter-terrorism vigilance and commitment to protecting citizens from extremist threats.
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