Kenya’s counter-terrorism forces have disrupted an attempted infiltration by Al-Shabaab militants in the dense Boni Forest near the Somalia border.
The operation was carried out by the elite Multi-Agency security team on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at night.
In a statement shared by Counter Terrorism Policing on Monday, September 30, 2024, the militants were caught by surprise, leading to a swift engagement by the security forces.
“The Sunday night operations caught the #Alshabaab militants by surprise. 4 militants were seriously wounded and escaped into the Somalia border with fatal injuries. The team recovered ammunition, deadly explosive-making materials, mobile phones, assorted medical supplies, food items, and portable solar panels,” the statement read in part.
Four militants were seriously wounded during the confrontation but managed to escape towards Somalia, with fatal injuries.
The authority said the quick response of the security forces prevented the group from establishing a makeshift camp inside the forest, which has historically been a hideout for militants operating between Kenya and Somalia.
The security forces said they recovered a significant amount of weaponry and materials intended for creating explosives. Among the items seized were ammunition, mobile phones, assorted medical supplies, food items, and portable solar panels. The communication devices are currently undergoing forensic analysis to extract valuable intelligence.
“The success registered against #AlShabaab in the Boni Forest is as a result of constant border surveillance and close working relations between the residents of the border villages and security agencies. The security agencies vow to protect Kenyans and will always remain vigilant,” the statement read.
ANOTHER WIN AGAINST TERRORISTS
— Counter Terrorism Policing KE (@CTP_Kenya) September 30, 2024
Kenya's elite Multi Agency security team conducted an intelligence-led operation against #AlShabaab militants who attempted to establish a makeshift camp inside Boni Forest.
The Sunday night operations caught the #Alshabaab militants by surprise. 4… pic.twitter.com/p0H1sNoQHJ
