Security forces have dealt a major blow to suspected Al-Shabaab militants after an intelligence-led operation in Mandera County left two attackers dead and several others injured.
According to the Counter Terrorism Police Unit, officers from the elite Special Operations Group (SOG) carried out the ambush on the outskirts of Sarira in Mandera, following credible intelligence on a planned infiltration along the Kenya-Somalia border.
The operation, conducted just days before Eid al-Fitr celebrations, was supported by aerial surveillance that enabled officers to track the movement of the suspected militants. Authorities said the suspects were attempting to cross into Kenya when they were intercepted.
Police confirmed that two militants were killed during the encounter, while four others sustained injuries. The remaining members of the group are reported to have retreated across the border into Somalia under sustained fire from security forces.
In a statement, security agencies praised the operation as a success, noting that it had disrupted a potential security threat targeting the country during a sensitive period.
“As Kenyans marked Eid celebrations, our officers remained vigilant and acted on intelligence to neutralise a group of terrorists attempting to infiltrate the border,” the statement read.
The incident comes amid heightened security operations in northern Kenya and other high-risk areas, with authorities intensifying patrols, surveillance, and intelligence gathering to counter cross-border threats.
In recent weeks, security agencies have also reported success in foiling terror plots within major urban centres. Last month, officers disrupted a planned attack in Nairobi after tracking suspects linked to extremist networks.
During that operation, investigators recovered weapons including assault rifles, pistols, and explosive devices believed to have been intended for use in an attack targeting civilians. Authorities indicated that the suspects were planning to strike during the Ramadan period.
The latest Mandera operation underscores ongoing efforts by Kenyan security agencies to strengthen border security and prevent infiltration by extremist groups.
Residents in the region have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities, as security operations continue.
Officials have maintained that multi-agency collaboration, including intelligence sharing and rapid response strategies, remains key in addressing emerging threats and ensuring the safety of citizens across the country.
