Kenya remains on high alert following the latest spate of attacks by the Al-Qaeda associated Al-Shabaab that targeted the AU Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops, convoys and their operating bases.
Kenya which is also a key target of the Islamists Al-Shabaab has stepped up surveillance mainly on the border prefectures with Somalia as part of efforts to stem down the plans by the militant group to strike on Kenyan soil.
On May 3rd, Al-Shabaab claimed a major attack in El Baraf Middle Shabelle where the militant group launched an attack on ATMIS base operated by Burundian troops. A number of Burundian troops were killed and several others were wounded in car bomb raids that was followed by indiscriminate heavy gunfire.
In another series of attacks, Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for attacks on roadside bomb attacks, ambushes targeting Ethiopian troops in Somalia’s Bay, Bakool and Gedo regions. In these targeted attacks, Ethiopian military vehicles have been destroyed, soldiers killed and others wounded. The latest ambushes took place near El Barde and Wajid towns in Bakool region of Somalia. Another separate massive roadside bomb blasts followed by fierce gunfire targeted an Ethiopian military convoy near Shatalow village in Gedo region. One military vehicle was reportedly destroyed and casualties also reported.
Following these series of attacks targeting ATMIS troops in Somalia, Kenyan security agencies have increased their alertness to thwart any possible attack on its troops in Somalia or in Kenya as there are fears the group plans an attack on Kenyan assets.
Major Islamist Al-Shabaab threat remains in upper and lower NEP Kenya; (Mandera, Wajir and Garissa) and also the prefectures of Lamu, Boni enclave. Increased surveillance at main border with Somalia is critical in an effort to tame the plans by the militant group to conduct cross-border attacks.
Reliable and credible intelligence from locals especial in NEP Kenya also key towards monitoring on the terror gang’s movement and activities in Kenya and in Somalia.
