In a press statement issued from the office of the Inspector General of Police (IG) Joseph Boinnet, security agencies in unison condemned in strongest terms possible the latest cowardly attacks carried out by Somali-based extremist Al-Shabaab targeting on Kenya security officers along the border areas of Liboi, Lafey, Elwak and Kulan.
In the incident, the vehicle carrying police officers on security patrol ran over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which exploded causing fatalities.
On the same note, the IG of Police extended his condolences to the victims’, families and friends and to those officers who were injured he wished them a quick recovery.
The latest attacks are yet another example of the extremist group Al-Shabaab’s desperation and its effort to frustrate the ongoing resolve by Kenyan security officers to provide security to all Kenyans.
IG Boinnet thanked security men and women who are currently engaged in counter operations to wipe out Al-Shabaab elements in the affected areas.
Kenyan security agencies have warned of possible attacks as we approach the holy month of Ramadhan whereby Al-Shabaab militants may upscale their heinous activities in their desire to attain martyrdom during this period.
Also Al-Shabaab has up-scaled incidents of IED attacks especially in the countries NEP (north eastern region) as a result of immense pressure exerted on them by the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) in Somalia.
Al-Shabaab in an effort to remain relevant is conducting these attacks on the Kenya side and to do so the group has resorted to use of IEDs along the supply route to target the security officers.
IG of Police noted that, if such attacks were meant to sow conflict, discord or stoke to plant mistrust and spread fear, the extremist terrorist group has failed.
Following security operations carried out in Garissa, Wajir and Mandera, assortment of weapons and IED making materials have successfully been recovered from a suspected Al-Shabaab IED expert in Gherille. The operations are still ongoing and will continue until the entire area is cleared of these criminals.
The statement finally reiterated of Kenyan security agencies’ commitment in ensuring security of Kenya and it’s populous. Also members of the public urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with our security agencies in order to defeat the terrorist group.
In the days ahead, security agencies will continue to work tirelessly towards ensuring that all Kenyans are secured and those responsible for the criminal activities are brought to justice.
