Situation Report Brief
Wednesday, February 19, 2020. Credible reports indicate that a civilian bus plying Moyale-Mandera route in the morning was attacked by Al-Shabaab militants.
Reports show that, at around 1000hrs, a Moyale Raha bus plying Moyale-Mandera-Nairobi route was attacked by people suspected to be Al-Shabaab operatives between Ollo and Gumba area in Mandera north.
The gunmen tried to stop the bus but the driver speed up hence firing the rear wheel. In the process 3 passengers were shot and died on the spot. The rest managed to runaway into the bush.
In another incident, an officer in Ijara security camp of Garissa reported that yesternight at around 2240hrs, Al-Shabaab operatives are reported to have terrorised villagers in Bulagolol Village which is about 4km South of the police camp.
A patrol unit deployed to the village Wednesday morning established that 16 Al-Shabaab operatives armed with AK47 rifles visited Bulagolol village, summoned everyone to the Mosque where they informed the villagers that they are Mujahideen (Al-Shabaab) and have had previous exploits in Westgate in Nairobi, Lamu, Tana River and Garissa counties. They further said that their immediate task is to deal with National Police Reservists (NPR Officers) warning locals to desist collaborating with them.
Incidents of Al-Shabaab activities have increased with at least four incidents being reported every day in Somalia. Al-Shabaab also continues to stage sporadic, low scale attacks in northeastern prefectures of Kenya close to the border with Somalia. The militant group in previous attacks has targeted security patrol units, communication masts (BTS), non-locals especially teachers and public service vehicles.
