Residents of Basuba village in Lamu County endured a night of terror on Friday after more than 60 suspected Al-Shabaab militants stormed the area, attacking both the village and a nearby General Service Unit (GSU) security camp.
According to reports, the militants launched the coordinated assault at around 9 p.m., with some members of the group surrounding the GSU camp while others indiscriminately opened fire within the village. The attack, which lasted for over an hour, forced residents to remain awake and alert throughout the night, fearing for their lives.
Eyewitnesses described the horrific scenes as four rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) were fired during the attack two targeting the GSU camp and the others landing in residential areas. One of the rockets struck a house, prompting terrified villagers to scramble for safety, lying flat on the ground to avoid being hit by the explosives.
“It was like a war zone. We could hear gunfire and explosions all around. We just prayed that we would survive the night,” said one shaken resident who asked not to be named.
Despite the heavy fire, GSU officers at the camp engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, eventually forcing them to retreat into the dense Boni Forest. The officers’ swift and coordinated response is believed to have prevented possible casualties and further destruction.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported so far, though authorities have not ruled out the possibility of damage assessments uncovering more details in the coming days.
In response to the incident, security agencies have launched intensified operations in the region, deploying additional personnel and surveillance efforts to track down the attackers. The Boni Forest, a known hideout for Al-Shabaab operatives, remains under close watch by security forces.
This latest incident underscores the persistent threat posed by the extremist group in Kenya’s coastal and northeastern regions. Residents are now calling on the government to bolster security presence in vulnerable areas and implement long-term measures to ensure their safety and peace.
