WAJIR, Kenya – At least eight police officers sustained injuries after their patrol vehicle struck a roadside bomb in the Khorof Haraar area of Wajir County on the night of December 17, authorities have confirmed.
The officers, part of a joint security team from the Special Operations Group, Border Patrol Unit, and Kotulo station, were conducting a routine patrol following intelligence reports of Al-Shabaab activity near the Kenya-Somalia border.
The convoy consisted of two vehicles, an MRAP and a DCD, with the latter leading the formation.
Police reports indicate that the DCD vehicle triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on the road.
The police car hit by an IED in Wajir. Photo/Courtesy
The blast destroyed the vehicle, leaving the eight officers with multiple injuries. The second vehicle in the convoy halted to provide assistance, evacuating the wounded to a nearby medical facility.
“This was a powerful explosion. We are fortunate no lives were lost,” said a police spokesperson, adding that follow-up operations in the area yielded no arrests or discoveries.
The attack underscores the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab militants, who frequently stage cross-border incursions into Kenya.
Wajir County and neighboring regions such as Mandera, Garissa, and Lamu have witnessed a spate of attacks in recent years, often targeting security personnel and local infrastructure.
An engine from the police car hit by an IED in Wajir. Photo/Courtesy
Kenyan security forces have intensified operations along the porous border in an effort to curtail militant activities.
Despite these efforts, the area remains volatile due to its proximity to Somalia, where Al-Shabaab maintains strongholds.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as they work to enhance security in the region.
