Security agencies have heightened vigilance in Mandera County after suspected members of Al-Shabaab launched a daring attack on a police camp in Lafey Sub-County on Friday evening.
According to police reports, the attack occurred at around 5:10 p.m. at the Fino Special Operations Group (SOG) Camp in Lafey. Authorities indicated that between eight and ten heavily armed militants approached the camp from the eastern side before launching an assault.
The attackers reportedly fired three Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) at the camp. One of the projectiles struck the facility directly, destroying a toilet structure, while the other two landed within the nearby Fino trading centre.
The assault was followed by intense gunfire involving PKM machine guns and AK-47 rifles, triggering a fierce exchange between the militants and security officers. The firefight lasted for more than 30 minutes.
During the confrontation, one police officer sustained injuries to the knee. Two civilians were also injured after being caught in the crossfire at the nearby trading centre. Authorities identified the victims as 18-year-old Umer Dakane Afey, who suffered a minor leg injury, and 25-year-old Maulid Farah Hussein, who sustained minor head injuries.
Security officers stationed at the camp successfully repelled the attackers, preventing further damage and casualties. The militants later fled the area.
Following the incident, multi-agency security teams launched extensive clearance operations and patrols across Lafey Sub-County in pursuit of the attackers and to prevent any further security threats.
The latest attack underscores the ongoing security challenges facing border regions in northeastern Kenya, where security forces continue to confront threats posed by extremist groups operating near the Kenya-Somalia border.
Investigations into the attack are ongoing as security agencies intensify efforts to restore calm and track down those responsible.
