Elite officers from the Special Operations Group have killed 11 suspected Al-Shabaab militants during a security operation near the Kenya-Somalia border. The operation followed intelligence indicating that the group was planning an attack in Mandera County.
Counter Terrorism Policing announced the operation on Monday, July 13, saying security officers targeted a temporary camp used by the militants. Authorities said the mission aimed to stop an imminent terrorist attack before it could be carried out.
Security Team Raids Militant Camp
According to Counter Terrorism Policing, about 30 suspected militants had gathered at the makeshift camp before the operation. Intelligence reports indicated the group was preparing to attack one of the villages located near the border.
The Special Operations Group launched a ground assault with support from aerial surveillance during the early morning operation. Security officers engaged the suspected militants before taking control of the area.
Authorities said 11 suspected militants died during the operation while seven others suffered serious injuries. The remaining fighters reportedly fled across the border into Somalia after the confrontation.
Officers Recover Weapons and Ammunition
Security officers recovered three PKM machine guns from the camp after completing the operation. They also seized 409 rounds of ammunition believed to belong to the fleeing militants.
Counter Terrorism Policing said recovering the weapons would help reduce the group’s operational capability in the border region. Investigators are expected to continue gathering intelligence following the successful raid.
Operation Follows Previous Anti-Terror Missions
The latest operation comes months after another security mission targeted suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Garissa County. During that operation, a multi-agency security team acted on intelligence about a suspected militant hideout.
Police officers engaged the group after coming under gunfire while approaching the camp. Security teams later secured the area before dismantling the militants’ base and recovering several weapons.
Border Security Operations Continue
Earlier this year, Special Operations Group officers also intercepted suspected militants attempting to enter Kenya through Mandera County. The intelligence-led operation left two suspected militants dead while several others sustained injuries.
Security agencies have continued increasing surveillance along the Kenya-Somalia border to prevent terrorist attacks. Authorities say intelligence-led operations remain important in disrupting planned attacks before they threaten public safety.
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