Multi-agency team kills six suspected terrorists in Lamu

A multi-agency team led by the Kenya Defence Forces has killed six suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists including a foreigner in an operation targeting their hideout in Kumba, Lamu County.

According to a brief seen by the Eastleigh Voice, the terrorists were hiding in an active camp in the area, located approximately 10km west of Pandanguo from where they were planning and coordinating their activities.

"The operation successfully neutralised six members of Al-Shabaab, including a foreign national, and resulted in the confiscation of significant logistical supplies," the brief adds.

During the operation, the multi-agency team that was trailing the terrorists came across some jerrycans near the camp and as they drew closer, the terrorists started firing towards them.

A shootout then followed between the two sides, during which six of the militia were killed including the foreigner who lacked identification documents.

The rest of the militia fled towards the Witu area with injuries but they are being pursued. The multi-agency team did not suffer any casualties.

The public has been advised to remain vigilant as the operation may lead to increased activity from the group, particularly as the number of injured terrorists is reported to be high.

Locals have been encouraged to report suspicious behaviour or individuals seeking assistance.

The incident follows Sunday's arrest of a wanted terror suspect linked with the brutal killings of a police officer and a chief in Lamu County in December 2019.

Mustakima Mohammed Ali was flushed out of a Malindi-bound bus in a Sunday afternoon operation by Anti-Terrorism Police in collaboration with their Special Operations Group (SOG) counterparts at the Sambaki Bridge roadblock while travelling from Lamu.

Mustakima alias Abu Mahir and his accomplices are believed to have been hiding within Boni Forest from where they were smoked out by security personnel before they disappeared to a neighbouring country.

"In April 2023, three members of his gang dared a return into the country but were intercepted and arrested along the Isiolo-Moyale highway while heading to Somalia. They were charged at the Kahawa Law Courts and their case is ongoing," the DCI said on Sunday.

His accomplices have since been identified but are still at large and remain on police radar.

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