Kenya beefs up security on Somali border after Al-Shabaab attacks

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Kenyan security agencies beefed up security as the Somalia-based Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab militants have seemingly resumed attacks in neighboring Kenya after months of relative peace and stability, striking thrice within a week in separate incidents.

Last week, the militants killed over 10 people near Mandera, a town neighboring Somalia near the Gedo region, after targeting a passenger vehicle. This was the first attack on Kenyan soil in as many months according to police reports.

A few days later, the militants killed four people in the neighboring Wajir County just within the area where the Kenyan Defense Forces [KDF] have been conducting operations along with their American counterparts.

Yet again, the militants carried out an attack on Thursday evening in their latest wave of violence, leaving at least four people dead after a vehicle they were driving in ran over an Improvised Explosive Device [IED] in Garissa County in Kenya.

The incident happened Thursday as the vehicle, which was ferrying six persons in total, made its way to Hulugho from Masalani. The IED detonated between Bura East and Galmagala areas. The driver of the vehicle that sustained serious damage is fighting for his life in hospital while another passenger escaped with minor injuries.

The deceased persons are said to have been from the same family. Kenyan official James Kianda said an operation had been launched to get those behind the incident. He said they suspect the bomb was set up by al-Shabaab militants operating in the area. Garissa leaders also urged residents to be more vigilant and report any suspicious persons to the authorities.

Al-Shabaab has been planting explosives on the routes used by the security agencies. They have also been targeting communication masts in their attacks. The area is near the Somalia border, and the militants usually cross at will and stage attacks before escaping back.

GAROWE ONLINE