This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
On July 15, 2019, a devastating Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated in Lamu, killing three suspected terrorists and injuring two police officers.
The explosion occurred along the Kiunga-Somalia border, where the Administration Police's Rapid Border Patrol Unit was on patrol. According to police, the IED was believed to have been planted by the terrorists, targeting security units in the area.
Survivors of the blast reported that the militants had hidden in the bushes nearby and ambushed the security officers once the explosive detonated. The incident happened at around 9 am, with locals stating that the area is under the multi-agency security operation Linda Boni.
During the ensuing firefight, three of the militants were killed, while two officers sustained gunshot wounds and were flown out of Lamu for treatment. Military choppers were later seen hovering the area, with officials suspecting that the attackers had escaped.
Police authorities confirmed that the officers were able to successfully repulse the militants. The slain men were reportedly dressed in jungle green military regalia and had flags similar to those used by the Al Shabaab terror group around their necks.
This incident follows a lull in attacks from the terrorists in the area, which has been experiencing intensified operations involving various government agencies. Security agencies believe that some locals may be colluding with the attackers to commit crimes.
