8 Al-shabaab operatives stopped from planting bombs by Kenyan elite force

Kenya’s Special Operations Group (SOG) has intercepted eight Al-Shabaab operatives who were attempting to set up improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Welmerer-Yumbia area of Garissa County.

According to a statement shared on Monday, October 27, 2025, by Counter Terrorism Policing Kenya on social media, the recovered explosives were intended to target civilians and security officers travelling along the Welmerer-Yumbis route.

You might also like

News

Utaskia anakuita babe: Ruto warns youth of love bombing after receiving NYOTA money

411

Morning downpour paralyses Garissa town as residents decry poor drainage system

411

Garissa woman raises cheetah like house cat for 2 years

“Our Elite Special Operations Group (SOG) stopped eight Al-Shabaab terrorists who were attempting to set up Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at the Welmerer-Yumbia area,” the statement read.

The SOG swiftly responded after local residents alerted authorities about the presence of suspected militants preparing explosives along a busy road. Acting on the intelligence, the unit moved in and engaged the group, successfully recovering the assembled IEDs before they could be detonated.

The counterterrorism unit also stated, “The brave officers engaged the terrorists and managed to recover assembled IEDs, which were to be used to attack our mothers, children, and security officers using the Welmerer-Yumbis road.”

The SOG acknowledged the crucial role played by local residents in providing timely information that enabled the unit to act before the explosives were detonated.

Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately, highlighting that community cooperation is vital in preventing attacks.

In addition to recovering the IEDs, the officers confiscated weapons and equipment from the suspects, ensuring that the explosives could not be redeployed for any future attacks.

“The SOG appreciates the cooperation of the local community and other stakeholders and urges for enhanced vigilance to stop any terror plots,” the statement added.

Kenya has, in recent months, continued to face threats from Al-Shabaab, with security forces intensifying operations to prevent attacks and safeguard civilians in affected counties.

This year, the group killed two police officers and a teacher early during an attack on the Wargadud police camp in Mandera South, in the country’s northeast, Kenyan authorities reported.

In a separate incident, Al-Shabaab abducted five government officials in Mandera County on Monday while they were travelling to work in the town of Elwak, local leaders said.