MANDERA, Kenya – Al-Shabaab militants launched three simultaneous attacks targeting police and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) bases in Mandera in the wee hours of Friday morning, this is according to a report by Citizen Digital.
The attackers managed to overpower police officers in Iresuki and inflicted significant damage on Safaricom communication tools that the officers were manning.
The officers made phone calls asking for backup, but immediately their phones could not be reached after the militants destroyed the Safaricom mast.
According to Citizen, communication in the area has been affected, and the officers are still missing.
Meanwhile, another group of militants launched an assault on a nearby KDF camp, engaging in a fierce firefight with the security forces stationed there.
The simultaneous nature of the attacks underscores the planning and sophistication of the terrorist group.
Their ability to strike multiple targets simultaneously poses a grave threat to the security forces and the local population.
The KDF camp endured a sustained assault as the militants engaged in a fierce firefight.
The exchange of gunfire lasted for several hours before the militants retreated.
However, the attack left behind significant damage to the camp and raised concerns about the safety of military personnel stationed in the area.
While this was happening, another group of al-Shabaab militants likewise reportedly lay siege to Wargadud Police Station.
Al-Shabaab has been an ongoing security concern in the region, and this recent spate of attacks serves as a grim reminder of their resilience and determination to destabilize Kenya’s security.
It should be noted that the series of attacks forced the government to postpone its plan of re-opening its border points with Somalia, where the militants are based.
The government and security forces continue to face the challenging task of countering these extremist elements and protecting the country’s citizens.
Opera News
