Al-Shabaab militants reportedly attacked multiple Kenyan security and military positions across Wajir, Garissa and Mandera overnight, highlighting renewed security concerns along Kenya’s border with Somalia.
NAIROBI, Kenya (Somali Report) — Al-Shabaab militants launched a series of overnight attacks on Kenyan security positions in the northeastern counties of Wajir, Garissa and Mandera, according to local sources.
In Wajir, Al-Shabaab fighters reportedly attacked a military camp in Qorof Xaraar, with heavy gunfire heard during the assault, according to residents familiar with the incident.
In neighbouring Garissa county, militants were reported to have attacked a military camp in Sareedo, near Dadaab, as well as a security checkpoint in the surrounding area.
Al-Shabaab fighters also reportedly destroyed a newly established security camp in Biyo-Madoobe in Fafi sub-county. Local reports said no security personnel were stationed at the site when it was attacked.
In Mandera county, militants reportedly targeted Kenyan security forces stationed in Hareeri Suuki, in the El-Qalow area.
Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying its fighters inflicted casualties on Kenyan forces.
The claims could not be independently verified, and there were no immediate official figures on deaths or injuries among Kenyan security personnel.
Kenyan authorities had not immediately provided a detailed account of the reported attacks.
Somali Report · Newsletter
Your morning briefing on Somalia's biggest stories — politics, security, business, and the people shaping the region's future.
The incidents come amid renewed concerns over increased Al-Shabaab activity in parts of northeastern Kenya, particularly areas close to the border with Somalia.
The Al-Qaeda-linked group has carried out attacks in Kenya for more than a decade, targeting security forces and civilians, particularly in the country's northeastern border counties.
Kenya has maintained a military presence along its border with Somalia and has deployed security forces to remote areas to prevent militants from crossing into the country and carrying out attacks.
The latest reported assaults highlight the security challenges facing Kenyan forces in sparsely populated border areas, where militants can exploit difficult terrain and porous sections of the frontier.
Al-Shabaab has also previously targeted Kenyan security installations, police posts and patrols in the region as part of its campaign against countries contributing troops to international and Somali-led efforts against the group.
Kenya has been a key contributor to the African Union-led security mission in Somalia and has deployed troops to support Somali forces in operations against Al-Shabaab.
The northeastern region has remained particularly vulnerable to militant attacks because of its proximity to Somalia, where Al-Shabaab maintains a significant presence despite sustained military operations against it.
Further details on the scale of the overnight attacks, including possible casualties or damage to military facilities, were not immediately available.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
Kenyan Health Minister Duale Defies Calls to Stay Out of Garissa Politics
