This archive report was first published on 13 September 2019.
Published on September 13, 2019, a rocket attack in Mandera, Kenya, has left five security personnel dead and over 20 injured. The incident occurred when two armoured vehicles and a lorry were hit by a rocket fired by suspected Al Shabaab militants.
The attack has reignited debate on the suitability and safety of some of the military equipment procured for security operations. The armoured personnel carriers, acquired from China in 2016, were meant to protect security agents from landmines and improvised explosive device attacks.
However, questions are now being raised on the safety standards of the vehicles. An official aware of the incident stated, “It is a shame that they died in such an attack in a vehicle that is supposed to protect them. It raises questions on the suitability of these carriers.”
The vehicles affected, the Norinco VN4 armoured personnel carriers, were acquired to protect security agents from landmines and improvised explosive device attacks. The Kenya Defence Forces and Anti-Stock Theft (ASTU) Unit were travelling between Farhama and Elram when their vehicles were hit by the rocket.
The attack has once again highlighted the need for improved safety standards in military equipment. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks that have left security personnel dead and others seriously wounded inside vehicles meant to protect them.
