At least six people were killed in the early hours of Sunday, March 23, after suspected al Shabaab militants raided a National Police Reserve camp in Fafi, Garissa County. The attack, which occurred around 5 a.m. in the Biyamadhow area, also left four others seriously injured.
According to police reports, the heavily armed militants overran the camp, killing officers and making away with an unknown number of weapons. Some of the victims were reportedly shot while others were stabbed during the assault. Authorities suspect the attackers also suffered casualties during the raid.
The attack has heightened fears of further incidents in the region, with intelligence reports indicating increased militant activity along the porous Kenya-Somalia border. Locals have reported sightings of armed groups conducting reconnaissance missions, raising concerns over the security situation.
National Police Service spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed that multi-agency security teams have been deployed to pursue the attackers and prevent further incursions. “More personnel have been sent to confront the enemy. This is an unfortunate incident, but we are determined to neutralize the threat,” he stated.
The bodies of the deceased have been moved to a local mortuary, while the injured have been admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Security agencies have also reinforced patrols in parts of Mandera County following intelligence reports that militants are planning further attacks against security personnel. Officials believe the latest assault was motivated by revenge after Kenyan security forces arrested a suspected al Shabaab operative for terrorism-related offenses.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on March 19, a man was abducted in the Modika area of Garissa County by armed assailants who hijacked his car and drove toward the Somali border. Another attack in Mandera on March 17 saw three men abducted in the Elwak area, with authorities suspecting the involvement of al Shabaab militants.
These incidents come amid a renewed travel advisory from the U.S. Embassy, cautioning its citizens against visiting border counties such as Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and parts of Tana River due to increased security threats.
Kenyan authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged residents to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
