Five people dead within a week in three suspected terror attacks in Mandera

Two people were killed and three others injured in a Wednesday evening attack at Qoqaye -Takaba in Mandera County by suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists.

Speaking to Kenya News Agency, North Eastern Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director, O’brien Lenguro, said a KWS Land Cruiser ran over an Improved Explosive Device (IED) while on official duty.

 “Our vehicle ran over an IED, while traveling from Mandera to Takaba, six people were on board among them two KWS officers, one forest officer and three civilians,”said Lenguro.

The two KWS officers suffered injuries; one is receiving treatment at Takaba Sub-county Hospital while one has been airlifted to Nairobi for special treatment.

Mandera County Director of Criminal Investigation (CDCI), Benedict Kigen confirmed the incident, saying two people lost their lives while others escaped with minor injuries.

 “Two people died on the spot, one Forester and a civilian, while others escaped with minor injuries,” said Kigen.

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Kigen said Special Forces are still pursuing the attackers who disappeared into thicket.

“We are following some reliable links. Our officers are on the ground to ensure we flash these militia out of Mandera,”added Kigen.

This is the third attack in a period of two weeks in Mandera County.

On Monday, June 7, one person died and 10 others were wounded after suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists ambushed two passenger buses between Olla and Sarman villages while the vehicles were en route to Mandera.

The following day, two police officers were shot dead and several others were wounded as they escorted passengers from Rhamu area to Banisa in the county of Mandera.

One passenger who was among dozens traveling in two buses also died during the afternoon attack by suspected Al-Shabaab militants.

Authorities have since launched security operations to track down the militants following the recent attacks.