Somali News in English | The Somali Digest

Facebook Twitter Instagram Telegram Whatsapp
somali-digest-logo
Menu
  • Top Stories
  • Somalia FMS News
    • Galmudug News
    • Hirshabelle News
    • Jubaland News
    • Puntland News
    • Southwest Somalia News
    • Somaliland News
    • SSC Somalia News
  • Somalia Politics News
    • Economy & Development
    • Education & Youth
    • Health & Environment
    • Society & Culture
  • Somalia Security News
Home Features

Suspected al-Shabaab attack in Lamu left 2 dead, 3 missing

Editor by Editor
August 17, 2023
in Features, Kenya, Somalia Security News
0
Al-Shabaab attacked IDP camp in Lamu
7
SHARES
45
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

A suspected al-Shabaab attack in Lamu left 2 people dead and at least 3 others missing. Armed with semiautomatic weapons, the assailants targeted vehicles headed towards Mokowe in the Milihoi area.

Lamu, KENYA. By Yahya: 

Two passengers of the targeted vehicle escaped. Three others were reported missing after the militants attacked their car on the same highway. The vehicle reportedly veered off the road when it tried to escape. As investigations continue, security remains a top priority in the region. Local authorities responded to the attack, sending a response team to track down the militants.

Spate of Lamu attacks

About 60 al-Shabaab militants ambushed unsuspecting civilians two weeks ago around 7.40 am along the Lamu-Witu-Garsen highway. They first shot at a government prison car en route to Mombasa from Lamu. Luckily, it sped away. Subsequently, the militants fired at a vehicle carrying a Hindi Member of the County Assembly (MCA), James Njaaga, and his family. Tragically, Mr Njaaga’s wife sustained a severe injury and died on the way to the hospital.

The government reported neutralising the terrorists. However, while Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki assured the nation of the successful operation, he failed to present any tangible evidence. 

Tourist season lost

The timing of these assaults has baffled stakeholders. Lamu, a coastal gem, typically experiences a surge in tourism during July and August. Its pristine shores and cultural richness attract domestic and international travellers seeking solace. However, this year presents a contrasting image.

Ali Shekuwe, a local hotel owner, told the Star about a noticeable decline in visitors compared to previous years. He attributes this decline to the sense of insecurity provoked by mainland attacks, even though Lamu Island and its neighbouring Shella Island remain relatively untouched. Shekuwe sadly contrasts this year’s meagre bookings to the thriving business he enjoyed last year.

“The attacks reported every time are conducted in the mainland areas… Unfortunately, once tourists out there hear that there is an attack in Lamu, they feel Lamu, Shella, and the rest of the archipelago have been attacked,” Shekuwe laments. This harmful association has a ripple effect on the livelihoods of those dependent on tourism.

Tags: al-ShabaabKenyaLamu
Previous Post

Somali-British journalist freed after illegal detention in Somaliland

Next Post

Debunking the myth of salary delays and road closures in Puntland

Editor

Editor

Next Post
Debunking the myth of salary delays

Debunking the myth of salary delays and road closures in Puntland

Latest News

  • All
  • Education & Youth
  • Features
  • Galmudug News
  • Hirshabelle News
  • Kenya
  • Somalia Politics News
  • Rule of Law & Corruption
  • Society & Culture
Al-Shabab Moqokori
Features

Al-Shabab Recaptures Moqokori as Mogadishu Undermines Puntland

by Jama
July 7, 2025
0

Mogadishu/Garowe — Al-Shabab today recaptured the strategic district of Moqokori from government forces—a territory liberated with much fanfare in 2022—while...

Read moreDetails
Puntland Somalia AfDB

Puntland Funds Road After Mogadishu Blocks AfDB Aid

July 3, 2025
Puntland Jubaland Somalia

Deni and Madobe Reunite in Garowe to Counter Federal Overreach

June 23, 2025
Mogadishu Conference Somalia Hassan Sheikh

Hassan Sheikh Accused of Engineering Sham Dialogue for Global Optics

June 17, 2025
Puntland ISIS Somalia

Puntland’s Mountain Offensive Yields Turkish ISIS Fighter

June 14, 2025
The-somali-digest-logo2

Welcome to The Somali Digest, your premier online source for all things Somali. Our mission is to provide you with the most up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful news and features regarding Somalia and its diaspora.

Important Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Newsletter

Useful Link

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Help/FAQ
Facebook Instagram Telegram Whatsapp

©2023 The Somali Digest. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
    • Home – Layout 1

© 2023 The Somali Digest. All Right Reserved.