Four civilians in Mandera injured by stray bullets from Somalia
The incident occurred during a gunfight between Somalia National Army (SNA) troops and Jubbaland Special Forces, which took place near the Kenya–Somalia border.
Four civilians in Mandera County were seriously injured after being hit by stray bullets that entered Kenya from the Somali border town of Belet Hawa.
The incident occurred during a gunfight between Somalia National Army (SNA) troops and Jubbaland Special Forces, which took place near the Kenya–Somalia border.
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According to Mandera County Commissioner Henry Ochako, the bullets were not aimed at the civilians. They were part of an exchange of gunfire between opposing military forces on Somali territory. However, the bullets crossed into Kenyan land and struck four people who were not involved in the fighting.
“Four of our people were hurt in an unfortunate turn of events after they were hit by stray bullets from Somalia’s side following a fire exchange between SNA and Jubbaland Special Forces in the neighbouring town of Belet Hawa,” said Ochako.
He added that the bullets were fired without specific targets. The impact was felt in Kenyan communities situated close to the border, where civilians have no protection from conflicts taking place just across the boundary.
The situation in the border area remains tense. Mandera County has previously seen the displacement of residents due to insecurity along the border.
The renewed clashes have worsened conditions for many families already facing challenges due to past violence.
To address the humanitarian impact, the Kenyan Government has put measures in place. Ochako confirmed that several camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have been established. These camps have been supplied with food and other basic necessities to support families who have fled their homes.
“We have established several IDP camps equipped with food aid to support displaced families from the Somalia-border locations during the ongoing confrontation in Belet Hawa,” he said.
Mandera’s Deputy Governor, Ali Maalim Mohamud, stated that the county’s disaster response unit has also been deployed. The unit is working to assist groups most at risk, including the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities. These individuals are being moved to safer areas within urban centres to minimise the risk of injury.
“We have activated our emergency response department to provide all necessary support to our people along the border and evacuate those most at risk,” Ali said.
He also mentioned that medical teams are on standby and have already begun providing healthcare services to the injured civilians.
The fighting in Belet Hawa is part of a wider political conflict within Somalia, particularly over the Gedo region. The ongoing struggle involves disagreements between Somalia’s federal government and the leadership of Jubbaland, a semi-autonomous state in southern Somalia.
Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubbaland leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam, also known as Madobe, have maintained a prolonged political rivalry, which has at times led to armed confrontations between forces loyal to each side.
Kenya continues to monitor the situation closely, and local authorities have urged residents living near the border to remain vigilant and report any further incidents of cross-border violence.
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