Suspected al-Shabaab improvised explosive device (IED) attack claims four lives in Mandera. Tragedy struck the North Eastern province of Kenya as a roadside bomb targeted a public vehicle, killing four passengers. The incident occurred in the Qurqura area along the Mandera-Elwak road on Saturday.
Mandera, KENYA. By Yahya:
Mandera South Deputy Commissioner Tobias Otunga confirmed the attack. “At about 11 am [on 16 September], we received reports that an explosive device struck a matatu [a public vehicle used as a taxi] travelling from Mandera to Elwak. Four passengers tragically lost their lives, while nine others are currently receiving treatment at Elwak Sub County Hospital,” reported Mr Otunga via phone to Nation.
Security forces have initiated a joint operation to apprehend the attackers. “We suspect that al-Shabaab militants planted the explosives with the intention of targeting the security vehicle and other road users. Our officers are actively scouring the area,” he added.
The attackers may have targeted the vehicle mistakenly. “This seems to be a case of mistaken identity by the attackers. The vehicle is white, similar to those used by our Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) in the field. The intended target apparently was security officers who were meant to use the same route but encountered delays,” Nation’s source revealed.
Al-Shabaab’s frequent attacks in Mandera
This tragic incident marks the second of its kind this month. On 3 September, two police officers died when an IED struck their vehicle while travelling from Arabia to Mandera. Seven other officers sustained injuries. The Quick Response Unit (QRU) officers of the Kenya Police were conducting a mounted patrol when the explosion occurred.
One officer succumbed to his injuries on the spot, while the second officer passed away later in the hospital. Authorities evacuated the injured personnel to a local medical facility to receive necessary medical attention. Two officers remain in critical condition.
Meanwhile, in another alarming development, reports indicate that al-Shabaab attacked Bamboo West village in Mandera North, setting multiple houses ablaze and reportedly abducting three individuals. Local authorities are currently investigating the incident.
