This archive report was first published on 5 January 2020.
On January 5, 2020, suspected Al Shabaab militants launched a dawn attack on Manda Bay Airfield in Lamu, Kenya. The US military has since disputed the group's claims of a severe terror attack.
Al Shabaab initially stated that the raid resulted in 'severe casualties on both Kenyan and American troops stationed there.' However, the US military command for Africa, AFRICOM, dismissed the group's statement, arguing that it was distorted to create a false impression.
US Army Maj Gen William Gayler, US Africa Command director of operations, stated, 'Al Shabaab resorts to lies, coercion, and the exertion of force to bolster their reputation to create false headlines.'
The US military also clarified that the airfield has been cleared and the process of securing it is ongoing. Maj Gen Gayler added, 'The security situation at Manda Bay is fluid. Al Shabaab is a terrorist group that has repeatedly communicated an intent to attack US interests. It is important to counter Al Shabaab where they stand to prevent the spread of this cancer.'
Kenya Defense Force (KDF) confirmed the early morning attack but stated that the attempted breach was successfully repulsed. Four bodies of terrorist bodies were recovered, and a fire broke out during the attack, which has since been put under control.
