By Burnett Munthali
Two Kenyan Border Patrol Unit officers were killed on Wednesday after their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Al-Shabab militants.
The explosion occurred along the Liboi-Kulan road in northern Kenya, a known hotspot for terrorist activity near the Somalia border.
According to police reports, the officers’ patrol vehicle detonated the IED, resulting in the immediate death of one officer.
A second officer later succumbed to injuries sustained in the blast, while several other personnel were wounded and rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a mangled patrol vehicle and a large crater marking the location of the explosion.
Security forces were quickly deployed to secure the area, assess the damage, and prevent further attacks.
Police confirmed that the incident was a deliberate attack by Al-Shabab aimed at destabilizing security operations along Kenya’s eastern frontier.
Garissa County, where the blast occurred, has long been targeted by militants due to its porous borders and remote terrain.
Authorities emphasized the ongoing threat posed by Al-Shabab and reiterated the need for vigilance along border patrol routes.
The use of improvised explosive devices has become a preferred tactic for the group, targeting security personnel rather than civilians.
This attack highlights the persistent dangers faced by Kenyan security forces as they carry out counter-terrorism operations in the region.
Government officials have called for enhanced intelligence, better protective equipment for patrol units, and improved surveillance along vulnerable roads.
Investigations are ongoing, and the government is expected to review strategies to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The incident underscores the continuing challenges Kenya faces in combating asymmetric warfare tactics employed by militant groups along its northern borders.
