This archive report was first published on 6 January 2020.
On January 6, 2020, suspected Al Shabaab militants launched a surprise attack on Manda Bay Airfield in Lamu, Kenya. The US military has since disputed the group's claims of severe casualties.
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, said, 'Al Shabaab resorts to lies, coercion, and the exertion of force to bolster their reputation to create false headlines.'
Despite Al Shabaab's claims of seizing part of the military base temporarily and ongoing fighting, the US Africa Command stated that the airfield has been cleared and the process of securing it is ongoing.
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.'
The Kenya Defense Force (KDF) also confirmed the attack, stating that the attempted breach was successfully repulsed. Four bodies of terrorist suspects were recovered, and a fire broke out during the attack, which was later brought under control.
