Attack by Somali Militants Claims Lives of Six Kenyan Police Reservists
Somali militants attacked a Kenyan police camp in Garissa County, killing six reservists and injuring four others. The raid was attributed to al-Shabab, leading to an increased police presence in the area. The U.S. Embassy issued a travel advisory due to escalating violence. This incident follows previous attacks in the region as efforts to combat al-Shabab continue.
On Sunday, armed militants from Somalia conducted a violent attack on a Kenyan police camp located in Garissa County, resulting in the deaths of six police reservists. The attack was attributed to the al-Qaida-linked group al-Shabab, according to police spokesperson Michael Muchiri. Additionally, four reservists sustained serious injuries during the raid, which involved the militants shooting and stabbing their victims before looting the camp and seizing weapons.
The border region between Kenya and Somalia remains a volatile area, frequently targeted by militants, thereby prompting Kenyan authorities to bolster security measures after the assault. Muchiri reported that an undisclosed number of militants were also killed during the confrontation. Given the insecurity, the U.S. Embassy in Kenya issued a travel advisory cautioning Americans against visiting the perilous region.
The incident follows a recent attack in Mandera County, where a Kenyan police officer was fatally shot by assailants believed to be Somali intelligence operatives. Authorities suggested this attack was a retaliatory act linked to the earlier apprehension of Somali nationals accused of plotting an assault on a critical infrastructure project.
In response to the escalating threats posed by al-Shabab, Somali authorities have intensified security operations aimed at dismantling the militants, who maintain control over some rural areas. Support from an African Union stabilization mission, composed of international troops, is facilitating Somalia’s efforts against this insurgent group.
The recent attack by Somali militants on a Kenyan police camp underscores the ongoing security challenges along the Kenya-Somalia border. The fatalities among police reservists reflect a troubling escalation in violence, further exacerbated by past incidents and retaliatory attacks. Both the Kenyan and Somali authorities are actively seeking to counter the influence of al-Shabab militants as they continue their campaign against terrorism in the region.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
