Somali Militants Attack Kenyan Police Camp, Leaving Six Dead and Four Injured

Armed al-Shabab militants raided a Kenyan police camp, killing six reservists and injuring four others. The attack involved shootings and stabbings, with subsequent looting of the camp. The U.S. Embassy issued a travel advisory due to increased risks in the region. Efforts to combat al-Shabab have intensified, supported by an African Union mission.

Recently, armed militants affiliated with al-Qaida, specifically the al-Shabab group, conducted a raid on a Kenyan police camp in Garissa County, resulting in the deaths of six police reservists. This attack also left four others critically injured, as reported by police spokesperson Michael Muchiri. Following the assault, additional police forces have been stationed in the area to bolster security measures.

In the brutal attack, militants employed firearms and knives against the reservists, also looting the camp and seizing weapons. Furthermore, police sources indicated that an unspecified number of militants also perished during this incident. This region, located near the notoriously vulnerable Kenya-Somalia border, has frequently been targeted by militant groups.

Due to the ongoing threats, the U.S. Embassy in Kenya issued a travel advisory last week, warning American citizens against visiting the region because of the high risk of attacks and potential kidnappings. In a related incident, a police officer in Mandera County was fatally shot, believed to be a retaliatory act against local authorities for detaining Somali nationals suspected of plotting an attack on infrastructure.

Since 2022, Somalia has escalated its military operations aimed at dismantling al-Shabab militants, who maintain control over considerable rural territories. The African Union has also deployed a stabilization mission comprised of troops from various nations to support Somalia’s efforts against this militant group.

The recent attack by Somali militants, which resulted in the deaths of six Kenyan police reservists, highlights the persistent security challenges along the Kenya-Somalia border. The U.S. Embassy’s travel advisory underscores the risks of visiting the area, illustrating the broader threat posed by groups like al-Shabab. Continued military efforts and international support are crucial in addressing these severe security concerns.

Original Source: www.newsday.com