Al-Shabaab suspected in Safaricom mast destruction in Wajir County

Gunmen believed to be members of Al-Shabaab have reportedly destroyed a Safaricom communication mast at Dasheq center in the Tarbaj Constituency of Wajir County. The incident unfolded when Kenya Police reservists, tasked with guarding the mast, were allegedly overpowered after a heavy exchange of gunfire.

Hussein Ismael, a local retail shop owner, described the scene, stating that the gunfire ceased after a few minutes, followed by a deafening explosion that brought down the only Safaricom mast in Dasheq, situated inside Dasheq Primary School. The mast was a crucial communication link for the area, and its destruction has left the community cut off from communication networks.

Expressing concern for the safety of the residents, Hussein emphasized the potential threat to the newly constructed Dasheg Secondary School, fearing that Al-Shabaab might target teachers and students in the area. He appealed to the local Member of Parliament, Hussein Abdi Bare, and the Ministry of Interior to establish a police post in Dasheq to enhance security.

Hussein highlighted the escalating public harassment by militants, citing a recent incident where a Boda Boda rider transporting milk from Kajaja to Wajir town was reportedly brutally attacked two weeks ago for refusing the militants' order to buy them food from Wajir town. The destruction of the Safaricom mast further underscores the security challenges faced by the community in the region.

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