GARISSA, Kenya — Kenya’s elite Special Operations Group (SOG) on Sunday intercepted and neutralised eight Al-Shabaab terrorists attempting to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Welmerer–Yumbis road in Garissa County.
According to a statement from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the operation was launched following a tip-off from vigilant members of the local community who spotted the suspects setting up explosives.
The SOG team swiftly engaged the militants, recovering fully assembled IEDs that were intended for attacks targeting civilians and security officers.
“The brave officers managed to recover the assembled IEDs, which were to be used to attack our mothers, children, and security officers using the Welmerer–Yumbis road,” the statement read.
Authorities hailed the operation as a major success in Kenya’s ongoing war on terrorism and praised local residents for their cooperation in providing timely intelligence.
“The SOG appreciates the cooperation of the local community and other stakeholders and urges enhanced vigilance to stop any terror plots,” the security agency said.
The incident underscores Kenya’s heightened security vigilance along its northeastern border with Somalia, where Al-Shabaab militants have been active in recent years.
Security agencies have urged citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to help prevent further terror attempts.
