Imagine the scene: the sun barely peeks above the horizon, casting long shadows over the desolate landscape of Fafi constituency. This police base, now etched in the memories of those who survived, was a pivotal line of defense. In its essence, it served as a beacon of hope amidst the relentless unease felt in these rural areas, which face constant threats from Al-Shabaab, who have carved out territories for themselves in Somalia’s central and southern reaches.

Once the dust had settled, Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo spoke candidly with the BBC, offering a somber perspective. He explained that the audacity of the attack echoed the grim playbook typically followed by this militant group. Al-Shabaab has a notorious penchant for stealthy cross-border incursions, reminiscent of traditional guerrilla warfare tactics, a chilling throwback to battlefield strategies that blur the line between conventional armed conflict and insurgency.

According to Mwabudzo, the attackers swooped in at the crack of dawn, catching the officers during their quiet moments of preparation for morning prayers. This timing, deliberate as it was, underscores the ruthless efficiency with which these militants operate. As a result, six officers lost their lives, while four others were left battling critical injuries, now under medical care.

This is not just a tragic footnote in the annals of conflict; it’s a stark reminder of the volatility of the region. The “guerrilla-style” offensive is emblematic of al-Shabaab’s broader strategy: relentless cross-border raids aimed squarely at destabilizing this fragile peace. “The suspected militia employed an array of weapons to overrun the camp,” Mwabudzo noted. Such stark accounts reinvigorate collective fears about regional safety.

It’s important to acknowledge the pivotal role of these policemen—reservists who stood in the line of fire, braving it all to provide an extra layer of security. These local volunteers have been unsung guardians in the fight to curb the insurgency’s reach into northeastern Kenya. Their courage, often recognized only in absence, has over the years prevented many more catastrophes.

But what provoked such a severe reaction from these insurgents? Recently, an air of change breezed through these troubled lands as Kenya mobilized its elite forces to reinforce security measures. Positioned strategically in the towns of Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa, these specialized teams are a testament to Kenya’s commitment to eradicating the al-Shabaab menace.

Working meticulously with local communities, these security teams have successfully dismantled several remote militant bases, reclaiming swathes of territory and restoring a sense of normalcy. Yet, al-Shabaab’s resolution seems unyielding. Their audaciousness is particularly heightened during religious observances, with an uptick in attacks noted during Ramadan, a period traditionally associated with reflection and peace.