GARISSA, Kenya- Suspected al-Shabaab militants attacked a telecommunications mast in Abakaile Village in Dadaab, Garissa County, in the latest cross-border security incident targeting critical infrastructure along Kenya’s frontier with Somalia.
According to local officials, the attackers struck at around 8 p.m. on Saturday, opening fire on a Safaricom telecommunications mast before fleeing the area.
Authorities initially feared residents may have been harmed during the raid, but later confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Teacher Initially Feared Abducted Found Safe
Security concerns briefly intensified after reports emerged that a local teacher could have been abducted during the attack.
However, Abakaile Area Chief Mohamed later confirmed that all four teachers stationed in the area had been accounted for.
The official explained that the teacher had been caught up in the confusion that followed the attack and was not abducted.
Communications Infrastructure Increasingly Targeted
Officials said the attack is the latest in a series of assaults on communications infrastructure in Kenya’s north-eastern region.
Security agencies believe al-Shabaab militants frequently target telecommunications facilities to disrupt communication, hamper coordination among security personnel and create fear within local communities before or after launching attacks.
Attack Follows Mandera Assault
The Garissa incident came two days after suspected militants attacked a security camp in neighbouring Mandera County.
During that attack, police officers exchanged fire with the assailants before the attackers fled the scene.
Authorities said one student was injured after being struck by a bullet during the incident and is currently in stable condition.
Officials also noted similarities between the latest attacks and previous militant operations in the region, including an incident four years ago in which a police officer was killed after an explosive device detonated prematurely.
Heightened Border Security
Telecommunication infrastructure in Garissa, Mandera and Wajir counties has repeatedly been targeted over the past decade as security agencies continue efforts to counter cross-border militant activity.
