In a tragic incident that highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism in Kenya, three officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) were killed in an IED blast in Witu, Lamu County.

The soldiers were part of a 25-MIB team conducting a recovery operation to extract a General Service Unit (GSU) team that had been hit by an IED at Pandaguo-Witu MSR.

The GSU team, who were on a routine patrol in the area, fortunately, suffered no casualties in the attack.

Brigadier Zipporah Kioko, the Chief Strategic Communication Head, has officially confirmed the demise of the three soldiers.

She further added that the injured troops have been airlifted for medical attention.

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Reports indicate that militants emerged from the forest and attempted to attack the officers after their vehicle crashed. An exchange of fire followed, with no casualties reported so far.

Lamu West Deputy County Commissioner, Gabriel Kioni, stated that the Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) was initially struck by a roadside bomb.

When the team aboard a Landcruiser responded, they too were hit and suffered casualties.

“According to reports, militants emerged from the forest and attempted to attack the officers after the vehicle crashed. An exchange of fire ensued with no casualties reported thus far," Kioni said.

“The APC was first hit by a roadside bomb, and when a team aboard a Landcruiser responded, they were also hit and we have casualties."

The unfortunate incident comes within days of the arrest of a suspected operative of the Al-Shabaab militant group who was on a reconnaissance mission by a multi-agency security team along the Garissa-Dadaab road.

The arrest took place while the individual was on a reconnaissance mission ahead of launching attacks in Garissa, Kenya.

Intelligence reports obtained by security agencies indicated that Al-Shabaab had plans to conduct attacks using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the North Eastern and Lamu regions, targeting security personnel and other road users.

The arrest of the suspect identified as Abdinasir Hassan Hussein was a very important step towards and was believed to be significant in preempting these planned attacks.

However, the incident raises a lot of questions among Kenyans one burning question is; what does the security apparatus in the country do with intel of that nature?

This incident serves as a reminder of the very real threat of terrorism in Lamu and Lower Garissa.