Somalia Returns Firearms Seized from Fallen Kenyan Police Officer

Somalia returned two rifles to Kenya after a police officer was killed during an ambush at the border. The incident involved approximately 20 armed men, resulting in one death and injuries to another officer. While the rifles were recovered, some ammunition remains missing, and the attackers are still at large.

Authorities in Somalia have returned two rifles seized from a Kenyan police officer killed during an assault near the Kenya-Somalia border in Mandera County. The weapons, a G3 rifle and an AK47, were handed over to the Mandera security team on Saturday morning. However, law enforcement officials reported that only 10 out of the original 90 bullets were returned, as some ammunition was missing.

The handover occurred following a deadly attack on the Border Police Unit at Border Point 4, conducted by an estimated 20 armed men on March 14. During this incident, Constable Dennis Omari was fatally shot, and another officer sustained a gunshot wound to the arm. The injured officer received treatment at Mandera Referral Hospital before being airlifted to Nairobi for advanced medical attention.

The armed assailants are believed to be renegade members of a security agency in Somalia. They reportedly took the slain officer’s G3 rifle, which contained 60 bullets, and the AK47 with 30 bullets prior to escaping. Initial investigations suggest that the attack may have been precipitated by the recent arrests of terror suspects connected to a foiled abduction of Chinese nationals in Mandera, possibly orchestrated by a relative of one of the arrested individuals.

As part of the ongoing investigations, senior police officials visited the attack site. Kenyan authorities have insisted on both the return of the firearms and the apprehension of those involved in the ambush. Following these requests, Somali authorities indicated that they had recovered the rifles and were ready to return them. However, the perpetrators of the assault remain at large, and Somalia’s military has initiated a manhunt for the suspects.

In summary, the return of the rifles to Kenyan authorities by Somalia follows a violent attack on police officers near the border, resulting in the death of one officer and injuries to another. The incident appears to be linked to prior arrests of terror suspects, prompting a coordinated response from law enforcement. While the firearms were recovered, the assailants have not yet been apprehended, prompting ongoing investigations and military efforts to locate them.

Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke