Kenya: Seven Police Officers Injured in IED Attack in Mandera East

At least seven police officers were affected after their patrol vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) on Tuesday in Mandera East Sub-County, in what authorities suspect to be a terrorist-related incident.

According to a police incident report from Khalalio Police Station, the attack occurred at approximately 1:50 a.m. along the Gadudia-Laga stretch, between Aresa and Khalalio, around 4 kilometers west of the station. The officers were travelling in a government-registered vehicle (Reg. GKB 885W) when the rear section of the vehicle was hit by the explosive.

Of the seven officers on board, one miraculously escaped without injuries. The other six sustained varying degrees of injuries, including to the hand, leg, chest, forehead, and eye. All injured officers were swiftly rushed to Khalalio Health Centre for urgent medical care.

Security sources say the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) in Mandera has taken over the investigation. The area remains tense, and a follow-up operation is reportedly underway to track the perpetrators.

This attack highlights the persistent insecurity in Mandera County, a region long affected by cross-border militant activity linked to Al-Shabaab. Authorities have yet to confirm the group’s involvement, but the method used aligns with previous attacks attributed to the Somalia-based extremist network.

A progress report on the incident and further updates from security agencies are expected in due course.

Mustaqbal