Al-Shabaab have conducted another attack in the border town of Mandera killing 36 quarry workers. All workers were Christians and most were shot and a few decapitated, intelligence reports read
This attack comes barely several hours after an IED attack left one Kenyan soldier dead and 6 others injured after their vehicle was blown by the improvised explosive device.
On the same day, Al-Shabaab managed to conduct a grenade attack at a Wajir town, killing one person and injuring several others after hurling 3 grenades and firing shots before disappearing.
Psychological Warfare and the Expanded Strategy
Al-Shabaab new leader is formerly an intelligence master at the ranks of the Al-Shabaab intelligence unit, his new role as leader of course motivates him to excel by application of intelligence capability in his militant-terrorists government.
Abu-Ubeidah is multiplying his force through employment of the cheap psychological warfare whose effect is far more effective than convectional warfare.
The two attacks in Mandera County of Kenya are indicative of a new intelligence led strategy employed by Al-Shabaab.
He is also importing the Boko-Haram strategy to increase the capacity of his psychological weapon.
Kenya has to brace for more border town attacks from these terrorists. They will use small units to ensure they achieve more using less resources.
However, as they increase the tempo, they may launch major attacks in big towns and the cities. Kenya must be aggressively proactive to these threats.
Counter-Terrorism Measures in Kenya
Kenya may suffer setbacks as they rethink their security strategy and an effective counter-terror strategy to stymie and preempt further attacks by the terrorists.
Most important is to ensure the country is united against terrorism while effectively raising public awareness on how to avoid being a target of terror attacks.
The government of Kenya must quickly start a public safety against terror campaign. Enlightening the people about how to avoid targeted areas, and overcrowding or being in areas that pose threats to them will go along way to preempt the threats.
The military footprint in border towns is smaller, troops there will require flexibility to shift priorities rapidly, providing the requisite counter-Al-Shabaab capabilities, situational awareness and security and protection.
