Kenya’s elite Special Operations Group (SOG) successfully foiled a planned terror attack by Al-Shabaab militants in Mandera County, recovering an arsenal of weapons and explosives. Acting on credible intelligence, the security forces launched a pre-dawn raid on the militants, who were in the final stages of planting an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on the Alungu-Elwak road, a key route used by civilian vehicles.
According to Counter Terrorism Policing Kenya, the militants were caught in the act of setting up the explosive device, leading to a fierce firefight. Two terrorists were neutralised, while others sustained serious injuries and fled into nearby thickets, with security forces in pursuit. The operation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) warhead, and a fully assembled IED, effectively averting a potential large-scale attack on innocent civilians.
The Alungu-Elwak road has been a frequent target for Al-Shabaab, an extremist group based in Somalia but active in Kenya’s northeastern regions. Had the IED been detonated, it could have caused massive casualties, similar to past attacks on buses and security convoys in the area. The swift response by Kenyan forces underscores the heightened vigilance of security agencies in combating terrorism.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Counter Terrorism Policing Kenya commended the operation, stating:
“This successful operation highlights the continued commitment and vigilance of Kenya’s security forces in the fight against terrorism.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab, which has carried out numerous attacks in Mandera, Lamu, and Garissa counties. Security agencies have intensified surveillance and preemptive strikes to dismantle terror cells before they strike.
Kenya’s security forces have once again demonstrated their efficiency and bravery in protecting civilians from terror threats. However, the incident calls for continued public vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to ensure such attacks are prevented in the future.
