Two terror operatives were on Monday 21st, February 2021 arrested in an operation that was conducted in Merti, Isiolo County, northern Kenya. The two men arrested were in possession of one AK47 rifle, 128 rounds of ammunition and two hand grenades.
The two terror operatives identified as Abdi Fatah Ibrahim and Yusuf Mohamed were arrested after police patrolling the area spotted two suspicious vehicles.
Police report indicate that a joint team of officers from Merti and Yamicha Police Post signaled the occupants to stop, but instead the two vehicles sped off prompting a hot pursuit. Two occupants in one of the cars, Reg. No. KCY 576H opened fire at the police officers, a move that prompted an exchange of rapid shots in self-defense. Cornered, the terror suspects surrendered and were arrested. However, the other vehicle managed to get away, with police maintaining the pursuit.
Police searched their car and recovered five magazines and nine magazine pouches, a military jungle belt, two mobile phones and several pen knives. The arrested men are undergoing interrogations, with the Bomb Disposal Unit and Anti-Terrorism Police Unit pursuing the case.
Intelligence reports have warned of budding terror related activities in Isiolo. The area has grown a hotbed of radicalism and terrorism at large. The entire northern region including Isiolo and Marsabit have been mapped as hot terror spots citing the rising trend of radicalism.
Kenya’s northern region is increasingly becoming under microscope of terror groups for recruitment linked to the Al-Qaeda affiliate, Al-Shabaab. Apart from Isiolo, Kwale, Mombasa, Lamu, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit and Nairobi have also been affected by radicalism and violent extremism.
