A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier was killed on Monday, February 24, in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Elwak, Mandera County. The incident, which occurred near Lafey junction, also left four other soldiers seriously injured.
According to officials, the attack was the second in the area in less than 24 hours. On Sunday, another security vehicle was hit by an IED, though no injuries were reported. Security sources indicate that al-Shabaab militants are likely responsible for the renewed wave of attacks in the region.
The Monday attack took place approximately 15 kilometers outside Elwak, in an area known as Qura-Qura. A joint patrol unit comprising KDF soldiers and the Special Operations Group encountered a reinforced ambush. The explosion destroyed the personnel’s vehicle, leaving one soldier dead and about ten others with minor injuries.
Authorities believe the IEDs were strategically planted along routes frequently used by security personnel. The latest attack comes after a period of relative calm in the area, signaling a possible resurgence of al-Shabaab activities along the Kenya-Somalia border. In response, police and military forces have launched intensified operations to neutralize the threat and pursue the assailants.
Security officials have urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to help curb terror activities. Intelligence reports suggest that the attackers receive local support, making it crucial for communities to share information on suspicious activities.
The rising insecurity in Mandera County has been a growing concern. Just a week before the attack, on February 18, police arrested two suspected al-Shabaab operatives in Mandera East. Reports indicate that the suspects were plotting the abduction of foreign nationals working on a sewer line construction project. Investigations revealed that the primary suspect had entered Kenya illegally from El-Ade, Somalia, forging documents to assume Kenyan identity. He was allegedly planning to pay a local accomplice KSh100,000 to assist in the abduction, with an additional KSh300,000 allocated for smuggling the victims into Somalia.
Meanwhile, Kenya continues to negotiate for the release of six individuals, including five chiefs, who were abducted by terrorists in Elwak. The hostages are reportedly being held in Jilib, Somalia, with their captors demanding a ransom.
As security forces intensify operations in the region, authorities remain on high alert to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of both residents and security personnel.
