The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have announced the killing of five Al-Shabaab militants in Boni Forest, Lamu County, during an intelligence-led security operation. The offensive, conducted on Tuesday, August 26, in Lacta Mangai, also left several militants injured as security agencies intensified efforts to root out extremist elements in the region.
According to KDF, the operation yielded significant gains, with soldiers recovering weapons and other items used in terror activities. Among the haul were AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers with warheads, ammunition, solar panels, tents, and assorted materials used in the assembly of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The military termed the success as a milestone under Operation Amani Boni (OAB) a multi-agency initiative that seeks to eliminate Al-Shabaab cells and restore peace within Boni Forest and the wider Lamu and Tana River counties. “Our mission is to restore lasting peace and security so that families in the region can live without fear,” KDF said in a statement. The officers also urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity, reiterating that national unity and cooperation remain critical in the fight against terrorism.
This latest success comes barely a month after suspected Al-Shabaab militants launched a daring attack in Basuba village, also located within Boni Forest. On July 25, heavily armed militants stormed the village at around 9 p.m., firing indiscriminately at residents before targeting a nearby General Service Unit (GSU) camp.
Witnesses reported that the assailants engaged officers in a fierce exchange of fire lasting nearly an hour. The militants reportedly fired four rocket-propelled grenades toward the GSU camp and the surrounding village. However, the attack was successfully repelled, and no casualties were reported among security forces or civilians.
The persistence of Al-Shabaab activities in the Boni region underscores the challenges facing Kenya’s security forces as they work to secure communities along the border with Somalia. However, the recent KDF success marks a significant step in dismantling terrorist networks and demonstrates the government’s resolve to ensure peace and stability in the area.
