Police launch major operation against Oromo Liberation Army in Isiolo, Marsabit
In a statement, NPS said "Operation Ondoa Jangili" will flush out those of the OLA criminal elements hiding within the two counties in Sololo, Moyale, North Horr, Merti sub-counties and its environs.
The National Police Service (NPS) has launched a major operation in Isiolo and Marsabit counties targeting the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) militia, who are reportedly responsible for a series of cross-border criminal activities in the region.
OLA is an armed rebel group based in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, which shares a border with Kenya.
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In a statement, the NPS announced that Operation Ondoa Jangili aims to flush out OLA criminal elements hiding within the two counties, specifically in Sololo, Moyale, North Horr, and Merti sub-counties, as well as the surrounding areas.
"Notably, the activities of the Oromo Liberation Army include trafficking illegal arms and narcotics, human trafficking, dealing in contraband goods, conducting cross-border incursions, illegal mining, instigating tribal conflicts, and kidnapping for ransom, all of which pose a serious threat to Kenya's national security," the statement read.
According to the NPS, the militia group has been exploiting close family and cultural ties between the Borana people of Kenya and Ethiopia to infiltrate and conceal themselves within communities in Marsabit and Isiolo counties.
As a result, they have continued to commit atrocities, causing immense suffering to residents along the Kenya-Ethiopia border, including intimidation, forceful land seizures, and sexual violence against women and girls.
"Therefore, pursuant to the National Police Service's mandate to protect life and property and preserve peace, special teams of the National Police Service have officially launched the first phase of Operation Ondoa Jangili within Marsabit and Isiolo counties to flush out OLA criminal elements hiding in Isiolo, Moyale, North Horr, Merti sub-counties and the surrounding areas," the statement added.
Although the operation was officially launched on Monday, intensified security activities targeting the militia in the region began on January 3.
Residents of the affected sub-counties have been urged to remain calm, continue their daily activities without fear, and cooperate with the security forces, who have pledged to safeguard the community and its property throughout the course of the operation.
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