On Saturday 4th May 2019, 2130hrs EAT, the Al-Qaeda branch in Somalia, Harakat Shabaab Mujahideen (HSM) conducted 2 attacks in North Eastern Kenya. The attacks targeted a Kenyan Police Reservists camp at Harer Hosle at 2130hrs and an army unit at Omar Jiilo.
Harer Hosle is a small village along the Mandera Arabia road and about 8 kilometers from Omar Jiilo. 2 AK-47 assault rifles were lost to the terrorists and one KPR was injured. At Omar Jiilo, the militants conducted probing attacks but army personnel conducted counter attacks by firing machine gun fire from an outpost and a round of mortar forcing the militants to withdraw. The attack at Omar Jiilo was meant to disrupt reinforcements to Harer Hosle.
The attacks come hours to the Ramadhan, a period Islamist non-state armed groups (NSAG) have often increased terrorist operations. For example, Islamic State spokesman Abu Muhammed al-Adnani called on the group’s followers in late May 2016 to launch a spate of attacks during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Throughout April 2019, Harakat Shabaab Mujahideen has been moving its militia towards targets across Somalia and towards the border with Kenya. The group plans to conduct multiple attacks throughout May and June in both Somalia and Kenya.
Notable as well is the fact Shabaab demonstrated it’s ability to continue orchestrating cross border attacks against the Republic of Kenya. That the group exploiting porous border to make its way into the country and conduct attacks. These attacks will increase in number throughout the rainy season and the period of Ramadhan
