A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier was killed on Monday after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near Lafey junction in Elwak, Mandera County. Four other soldiers sustained serious injuries in the attack, which officials suspect was carried out by the al-Shabaab terror group.
The ambush, which occurred at Qura-Qura, about 15 kilometers from Elwak, targeted a joint patrol involving KDF and the Special Operations Group. This was the second attack in the area within 24 hours, following another IED blast on Sunday that damaged a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Authorities have launched operations to track down those responsible for the attacks. These incidents come amid heightened security concerns, as Kenya continues efforts to combat terrorism along its border with Somalia. Just a week ago, police arrested two suspected al-Shabaab operatives in Mandera East, foiling an alleged abduction plot. Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing for the release of six people, including five chiefs, who were kidnapped in Elwak and are reportedly being held in Jilib, Somalia.
