In a significant development in the ongoing battle against militants, security forces in Kenya have successfully destroyed another Al-Shabaab base in the Northern Frontier Districts. This progress marks a vital step forward in countering the continued threat posed by the militants in the country.
The Al-Shabaab group has been engaged in a fight to overthrow the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia. However, recent months have seen their operations consistently disrupted. These militants often target both security forces and innocent civilians in Kenya and Somalia.
The base that was demolished was located in Dahun, within the Fafi constituency of Garissa County. Garissa, as well as the neighboring areas of Lamu, Mandera, and Wajir, have been frequent targets for the militants. Fortunately, their presence in Kenya has now suffered a significant setback.
During the operation, security teams discovered food supplies such as rice, sugar, and water, which were intended for the Al-Shabaab unit responsible for carrying out IED attacks within the county. These militants often hide in dense vegetation from where they plan and execute attacks on major roads in the region using Improvised Explosive Devices [IEDs].
Recently, Kenya deployed its Special Forces from the Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] to reinforce the region, resulting in effective countermeasures against the militants. The Special Forces have established at least 14 Forward Operating Bases along the volatile Kenya-Somalia border.
Following a surge in Al-Shabaab terrorist attacks in Northeastern Kenya, authorities in Kenya decided to temporarily halt the planned opening of the Kenya-Somalia border. This cautious approach was taken in order to prioritize security and address the immediate threat posed by the militants.
Kenya currently has approximately 4,000 troops serving in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS]. These troops have been stationed in the country for the past 13 years. As part of the Somali Transition Plan, the ATMIS troops are scheduled to completely withdraw from Somalia by the end of December 2024.
