The Special Operations Group (SOG), Kenya’s elite counter-terrorism group, on Tuesday, November 5, thwarted a potential terror threat by Al Shabaab after an intelligence-led operation.
The operation was carried out against two Al Shabaab camps on the Kenya-Somalia border. Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) revealed that the two camps served as Improvised Explosive Device (IED) assembly camps.
The CTP disclosed that the IED camps were making explosives that were to be used for terror attacks along highways in Garissa and Lamu to disrupt commercial and civilian activities.
“The IED assembly camps were to be used to attack and disrupt civil transport and commercial activities on our major roads linking Garissa and Lamu counties,” the CTP revealed.
Al Shabaab militia during a past drill.
Photo
DW
Upon descending on the militants, a shootout ensued that resulted in the militia fleeing as they could not withstand the SOG firepower. The SOG was able to recover the IED-making materials (detonators, switches, IED cylinders, sodium nitrates). In addition, they recovered ammunition and communication gadgets.
“The Al Shabaab militants who could not withstand the SOG firepower abandoned the camps, leaving behind IED-making materials (detonators, switches, IED cylinders, sodium nitrates), bullets, communication gadgets, and assorted ammo for hand-held rocket launchers,” the statement read in part.
The latest operation is part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the wider North Eastern region as police aim to thwart terrorism attacks and secure locals who have been helpful in the fight against the terrorist group.
The operation came days after an IED exploded along the Wajir-Mandera road badly damaging a police vehicle. Five police officers who were on board escaped with minor injuries, police stated.
Since then, police have increased operations in the region to tame plans by the terror group to establish bases and attack targeted areas.
The SOG reiterated their commitment towards ensuring the safety and security of Kenyans maintaining that it was their highest priority. “The safety and security of Kenyans remains our top priority,” SOG affirmed.
Furthermore, they relayed their gratitude to the locals for their continued support in engaging with security agencies in the fight against terrorism.
“As security agencies, we would like to thank the local communities for their continued support in sharing valuable information in the fight against terrorism,” the SOG asserted.
Officers drawn from the office of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) on Friday, December 2, 2022
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DCI
