NAIROBI, Kenya — Suspected al-Shabaab militants separately attacked Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel in Garissa and Lamu counties, prompting heightened security operations in the two regions.
No casualties or injuries were reported in either incident, according to officials.
The attacks occurred on Saturday, September 19, 2026, as security agencies continue to contend with a series of probing attacks targeting security installations and patrol teams in northern and coastal Kenya.
KDF Team Attacked Along LAPSSET Corridor
In Garissa, KDF personnel providing security along the LAPSSET corridor came under attack while conducting a routine patrol in Bura East Sub-County.
Officials said the suspected militants were armed with a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG).
The soldiers responded to the attack, forcing the suspected attackers to flee towards Degwardey village.
KDF support teams were subsequently deployed to search the area and establish the whereabouts of the attackers.
No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Two RPGs Fired at Lamu KDF Camp
In a separate incident, suspected militants targeted a KDF camp at Bodhei Junction in Lamu County.
The attackers reportedly approached the camp before firing two RPGs accompanied by rapid rifle fire.
The attack lasted about two minutes before the militants were repulsed, according to officials.
There were no reported casualties among security personnel or civilians.
Security teams were expected to assess the area and investigate the attackers’ movements and identities.
Attacks Follow Earlier Incidents
The latest incidents follow attacks targeting security camps in Mandera and Lamu earlier this month.
On September 10, suspected al-Shabaab militants reportedly attacked an Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) camp in Elram, Mandera County, using RPGs and AK-47 rifles. Police said the attackers were repulsed and no casualties were recorded.
A similar incident was reported at a GSU camp in Milimani, Lamu East, where suspected militants fired an RPG and several rounds of ammunition before security officers responded.
No injuries were reported in that incident either.
Security Agencies Step Up Vigilance
The repeated attacks have prompted increased surveillance and security operations along Kenya’s northern border and parts of the coast.
Security agencies have previously described such incidents as probing attacks, with officers seeking to establish the identity, movements and intentions of suspected militants.
The Kenya-Somalia border region remains vulnerable to attacks attributed to al-Shabaab, with security personnel and civilians having been targeted in previous incidents. Current travel advisories also identify parts of Garissa and Lamu as areas affected by terrorism risks.
Threat Remains Along Kenya-Somalia Border
The attacks underscore the continuing security challenge posed by al-Shabaab along Kenya’s border with Somalia.
Garissa and Lamu have experienced repeated militant attacks over the years, including incidents targeting security personnel, camps and patrols.
Kenya deployed the KDF into Somalia in October 2011 under Operation Linda Nchi, following a series of cross-border attacks and kidnappings.
Security officers are expected to maintain heightened vigilance in Garissa, Lamu and other border areas as investigations into the latest attacks continue.
