KDF rescues people kidnapped by Al-Shabaab in Mandera

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] in collaboration with Somalia security forces have managed to rescue three people who were kidnapped by Al-Shabaab militants while taking a patient to Lafey Sub County Hospital in northeastern Kenya, following a spirited search operation.

The three people were among the four who wrote kidnapped by the militants in Lafey before being taken across the border. They were traveling in an ambulance at the time of the abduction triggering a massive security search in the region.

Onesmus Kyatha, the Mandera County Commissioner, confirmed the incident while noting that the three who have been freed following negotiations will likely return to Kenya on Thursday [today] or on Friday but it was not immediately clear where they were being held.

“Arrangements have been made to bring back the three Kenyans from Somalia. They will most likely return home today or tomorrow.” The Mandera County ambulance attached to Lyfey Health Centre had four occupants, including medics during the early night attack.

According to the Commissioner, the fourth occupant of the vehicle, who was actually the driver, is still under the custody of Al-Shabaab militants. The three are Moulid Abdi [a patient], his relative Aden Dai, and Lafey hospital paramedic Abdirashid Billow Hussein.

Lafey Member of Parliament Mohamed Abdiker applauded the Kenya police and Somalian security forces for a job well done.

"I would thank our gallant officers who have worked with their counterparts in Somalia and returned three of the abducted persons to their homes safely", said Abdiker.

Mandera County Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha has also said that he is collaborating with that his counterpart in Somalia's Gedo region to ensure the safe return of the driver and the ambulance. "I pray that the driver will also be found safe," said Kyatha on phone.

Some reports indicate that the driver was the one who drove with instructions from the militants to the hideouts. Head of Ambulance Services in Mandera County, Fatima Noor revealed that the vehicle was ambushed at Kurkura village near Elwak along Lafey road.

Al-Shabaab militants have been kidnapping people while asking for ransom, which is used to help the group run operations. Northeastern Kenya has been a hotspot of the militants but the Kenya security forces have managed to secure most parts of the border.

GAROWE ONLINE