A devastating suspected Al-Shabaab attack in Lamu's Boni Forest has left an unspecified number of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers feared dead, while others sustained critical injuries.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon along the Milimani-Baure road near the Bodhei-Majengo area.

Military spokesperson Brigadier Zipporah Kioko confirmed the tragic event on Monday, revealing that the soldiers' vehicle had been on a routine patrol when it tragically ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) believed to have been planted by Al-Shabaab insurgents.

"On the 10th of September 2023, KDF soldiers on patrol along Milimani-Baure road in Lamu County ran over an IED. The injured were airlifted to Manda Base Hospital for medical attention," said Brigadier Kioko in an official statement.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the persistent threat posed by the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization.

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In response to the attack, Brigadier Kioko strongly condemned those responsible for disrupting the peace and stability of the area.

She emphasized the importance of maintaining security and safeguarding the socio-economic well-being of the community.

This tragic event comes as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by both military personnel and civilians in this volatile region.

Just hours before the attack on the soldiers, a contractor, Hussein Abdi Maalim, aged 50, fell victim to another suspected Al-Shabaab IED attack along the Hindi-Bar'goni road.

Maalim was en route to Hindi town to purchase supplies in his double-cabin vehicle when the explosion occurred, leaving him with severe injuries to his head and spine.

Miraculously, Maalim's nephew, who was accompanying him at the time of the attack, managed to escape unharmed and sought refuge in the nearby forest before being rescued by security forces.

The contractor's vehicle, however, suffered extensive damage due to the explosion.

Local authorities and security forces are now urging residents to collaborate with them by sharing any valuable information about criminal elements within their communities.

This collaborative effort is seen as vital in the ongoing fight against terrorism and the preservation of peace and stability in the region.

As investigations into these incidents continue, the people of Lamu remain on edge, hoping for a swift resolution to the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and a return to a life free from fear and uncertainty.