Somalia Returns Rifles Seized from Slain Kenyan Police Officer

Somalia returned two rifles seized from a slain Kenyan officer following an ambush. The rifles were returned with only 10 out of 90 bullets, and investigations suggest revenge motives related to arrests of terror suspects. A manhunt is ongoing for the attackers, who remain at large.

Somali authorities have returned two rifles taken from a Kenyan police officer, Constable Dennis Omari, who was killed on March 14 during an ambush at a security post near the Kenya-Somalia border in Mandera County. The rifles, a G3 and an AK47, were handed over to Mandera’s security team on Saturday morning, although only 10 out of the original 90 bullets were included in the return.

The attack, carried out by approximately 20 armed men suspected to be rogue members of a Somali security agency, resulted in the immediate death of Constable Omari, while another officer was injured. The wounded officer is currently recovering at Mandera Referral Hospital and has been airlifted to Nairobi for further treatment.

The assailants seized Constable Omari’s weapons, which included the G3 rifle with 60 bullets and the AK47 with 30 bullets. Authorities suspect a motive of revenge may have driven the assault, potentially related to the recent arrest of terror suspects involved in a failed abduction attempt on Chinese nationals in Mandera.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the attack could have been orchestrated by a relative of one of the arrested suspects, who is affiliated with a security agency. Senior police officials have conducted site visits as part of their investigation, pressing for the arrest of those responsible.

Following demands from Kenyan officials, Somali authorities confirmed the recovery of the rifles and their readiness to return them. Meanwhile, the suspects involved in the attack are still at large, prompting Somalia’s military to initiate a manhunt for those responsible.

Authorities in Somalia have returned rifles to Kenyan officials following the deadly ambush that killed Constable Dennis Omari. Although the return was made, valuable ammunition is missing. Investigations suggest the attack may have links to recent terror activities in the region, emphasizing ongoing security concerns at the border as officials seek to hold those responsible accountable.

Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke