This archive report was first published on 14 October 2019.
Published on October 14, 2019, police in Mandera are on high alert following reports that about 20 suspected Al Shabaab fighters have been sighted in the region.
The suspected militants, with a loaded donkey cart, were spotted at Bale-Ilman Mala, Kutulo on Friday night, heading towards Garsesala Hills.
A security official revealed that the cargo on the donkey cart is suspected to include Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).
According to a security brief, it is assessed that Al Shabaab militants could be planning to lay IED along the Eleram-Falama route and Elwak-Wajir road targeting security vehicles.
Just last month, 10 terrorists struck in the same area, killing eight officers and wounding up to 20 others in an attack that involved a rocket-propelled grenade.
Meanwhile, the bodies of 11 police officers killed in Garissa on Saturday were airlifted to Nairobi, where they were received by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai.
The officers, based at the Harehare GSU camp, were out on patrol in Liboi when their Land Cruiser ran over an improvised explosive device planted by Al Shabaab.
Garissa Governor Ali Korane condemned the attack, saying, “Saddened by the news of the deaths of police officers killed in an IED attack, I extend my condolences to their families, relatives and colleagues.”
Dr. Matiang'i also expressed his sympathies, saying, “I extend my deepest sympathies and profound solidarity to the families of the gallant officers. Their selfless patriotic sacrifice to serve Kenya renews our resolve in the fight against terror.”
