MANDERA, Kenya – A fierce confrontation near the Kenya-Somalia border left at least five suspected Al Shabaab terrorists dead and four Kenyan Special Operations Group (SOG) officers seriously injured.
The deadly encounter occurred in Guba, Elwak, Mandera County, as Kenyan police pursued terrorists who had been sighted in the area.
The clash unfolded on Thursday evening when the SOG team, trailing the suspects for hours, was ambushed. The ensuing battle was intense and prolonged, stretching late into the night.
Due to the risks of further ambushes, immediate medical response for the injured officers was delayed until a helicopter could be dispatched.
Authorities reported that blood traces leading to the Kenya-Somalia border suggest that the death toll among the suspected terrorists may rise.
The police recovered an assortment of weapons from the suspects, further indicating the severity of the confrontation.
Guba, situated near the volatile Kenya-Somalia border, is a known hotspot for terrorist activities.
Al Shabaab militants frequently breach the border to launch attacks and retreat to their bases in Somalia.
The Kenyan police and military have been vigilant in the area, striving to curb these incursions and protect local communities.
The SOG team had been tracking the suspects in Guba as part of ongoing operations to thwart terrorist activities.
This latest clash underscores the persistent threat posed by Al Shabaab and the challenging conditions under which Kenyan security forces operate.
Despite the dangers, Kenyan security forces have made significant strides in counterterrorism operations.
On May 22, a multi-agency team foiled a major planned attack in Alango, Garissa.
The operation resulted in the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, including six AK-47 rifles, two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), a PKM, grenades, warheads, magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The raid disrupted Al Shabaab’s plans to launch further attacks in the region.
In light of the ongoing threat, police have urged residents to cooperate with security agencies.
Increased personnel have been deployed to the region to enhance surveillance and prevent further attacks.
The community’s role in providing intelligence and support is deemed crucial in the fight against terrorism.
