Somali Militants Kill Six Kenyan Police Reservists in Coordinated Attack
Somali militants raided a police camp in Kenya, killing six reservists and injuring four others. The attack, linked to al-Shabab, involved the ransacking of the camp and seizure of weapons. The cross-border area has been a hotspot for militant activity, prompting U.S. travel advisories and highlighting ongoing security operations against al-Shabab.
On Sunday, Somali militants conducted a raid on a Kenyan police camp located in Garissa County, resulting in the deaths of six police reservists. This attack, attributed to al-Qaida-affiliated al-Shabab militants, also left four reservists seriously injured. The militants not only killed and wounded police personnel but also ransacked the camp and stole weapons. An unspecified number of militants were also reported dead, according to Kenyan police spokesperson Michael Muchiri.
The targeted area has been a frequent site of militant activity, being near the porous Kenya-Somalia border. In light of ongoing threats, the U.S. Embassy in Kenya recently advised Americans against traveling to this region due to the heightened risk of attacks and kidnappings. This advisory comes on the heels of another incident in Mandera County, where a Kenyan police officer was shot and killed by armed men linked to Somali intelligence, described by officials as a retaliatory operation after the arrest of Somali nationals linked to a potential attack.
Since 2022, Somalia has escalated its security measures against al-Shabab, who maintain control over various rural areas. The country is receiving support from an African Union stabilization mission, which includes troops from multiple nations, in their efforts to combat the al-Shabab threat effectively.
The attack by Somali militants on a Kenyan police camp highlights the ongoing security challenges in the border region. With multiple casualties and an increase in militant activity, the situation remains precarious. The U.S. travel advisory underscores the risks present, as Kenya deals with retaliatory violence and intensified counter-terrorism efforts against al-Shabab. The support from international forces through the African Union illustrates the broader regional effort to stabilize the area.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
