Police have carried out a successful intelligence-led operation against two al-Shabaab camps in Garissa, recovering a significant cache of bomb-making materials.
The operation, executed by the elite Special Operations Group (SOG) of Kenya’s Counter-Terrorism Unit, targeted makeshift camps on the Kenya-Somalia border that were being used as Improvised Explosive Device (IED) assembly points.
The explosives, which were intended for use in attacks on key transport routes linking Garissa and Lamu counties, were designed to disrupt civilian movement and commercial activities, according to authorities.
The raid on Tuesday, November 5, was prompted by intelligence that the group was assembling IEDs in these camps.
When the security forces arrived, the terrorists had abandoned the sites, leaving behind a wide array of materials, including detonators, switches, IED cylinders, sodium nitrates, bullets, communication equipment, and ammunition for handheld rocket launchers.
The security agencies expressed gratitude to the local communities for their continued cooperation and sharing of vital information, which played a crucial role in preventing a potential catastrophe.
Officials emphasized that the bombs could have caused significant harm to the local population.
This operation follows a recent incident on Saturday, November 2, when an IED planted on the Mandera-Wajir road severely damaged a police vehicle.
Fortunately, the five officers onboard escaped with minor injuries.
In response to the ongoing threats, police have increased operations in the region to prevent al-Shabaab from establishing additional bases and carrying out further attacks.
These operations are part of a broader counter-terrorism effort in the North Eastern Region, which has yielded positive results, thwarting planned attacks and bolstering the security of local communities.
The locals have pledged to continue their support in the fight against terrorism.
The area, particularly the border regions, has been a frequent target for al-Shabaab militants, who have launched numerous attacks, sometimes with the aid of local collaborators.
The group has targeted security personnel and civilians alike, leaving dozens dead or wounded in recent months.
Kenyan forces, who are also engaged in operations in Somalia against al-Shabaab, have ramped up their efforts in recent weeks, with several militants reported killed in the process.
