By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Six suspected members of the terrorist group Al-Shabaab were on Wednesday, 01 May 2024, killed by a multi-agency security team.
According to an update by the Counter Terrorism Police unit, the six were gunned down in the Pandanguo area within Lamu County. This followed an operation that was targeting what the security team said was a terrorist makeshift camp in Boni Forest.
The camp acted as a store for foodstuffs and a kitchen.
“Multi-Agency Security Teams have killed six #AlShabaab terrorists including a foreign national in #Lamu’s Pandanguo area. The successful operation targeted AlShabaab makeshift camp in Boni Forest, which acted as a store for foodstuffs and kitchen,” the unit said in an update in their verified X handle.
It described the latest development as a major win against terrorism. The terrorists are suspected to have been planning an attack with a false assumption that security personnel are now mostly engaged in responding to the effects of flooding.
“The operation pre-empted their plans,” the Counter Terrorism Policing Unit said.
“Security agencies remain vigilant to deal with Al-Shabaab remnants in Lamu and Northeastern regions to deter their plans of sabotaging development in the areas,” it added.
The government has over the years affirmed its commitment to fighting terrorism in all its manifestations to make Kenya safe and prosperous.
The commitment has been laid clear from the counter-terrorism measures initiated including the purchase of modern equipment for the Police, offering of specialised courses for security personnel and enhanced deployment along the borders to prevent Al-Shabaab terrorists from sneaking into Kenya due to ongoing operations by the Somalia Government.
“Citizens are encouraged to continue working with security agencies to fight terrorism through sharing information on terror activities for action,” the unit said.
Kenya has been a target of terror groups due to its close ties with countries such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Israel among others.