Armed al Shabaab terrorists yesterday evening attacked Bulla Barwaqo area of Wajir town where they hurled grenades before engaging in a shooting spree. During the ensuing melee, they were able to entrap 4 people inside an M-pesa shop which the terrorists set on fire before escaping. Three people were burnt to death while the fourth died while being transported to hospital.
Al Shabaab has taken credit for the attack which also injured 5 people. Al Shabaab has suffered a series of setbacks on its home turf of Somalia, and their desperation does manifest itself in the panic attacks they conduct on targets of opportunity.
To maintain its relevance on the global jihadist front, al Shabaab must conduct cruel attacks against civilians. These attacks also serve to spread terror as well as consoling its sympathizers that HSM still exists.
Intelligence reports also show that some businesspersons do also support al Shabaab activities in the region besides acting as HSM surveillance officers.
Kenya’s security services have contained terrorism in the nation despite the fact that effective counter-terrorism operations have driven al Shabaab to conduct desperate attacks.
