Security agents in Mandera foiled a planned terror attack in Kutulo area and killed a suspected militant before recovering 432 rounds of ammunition from him.
The team recovered two AK47 rifles, two Mark 4 rifles and three AK47 magazines from the suspect.
The team also recovered a motorcycle, personal effects and foodstuff from the suspect.
Police said a team was patrolling in Kutayo area in Kutulo when they met two people who were riding on a motorcycle.
As they tried to stop them, an exchange ensued leaving one of the riders dead as his accomplice escaped on foot.
North eastern regional police commander Rono Bunei said they had not established the mission of the men and thanked locals for sharing information that led to the foiling of the same.
“We continue to urge for public support in our efforts to contain this menace,” he said.
The area has been experiencing a surge of terror-related attacks from al Shabaab militants.
On July 31, at least three people were killed in two separate gun attacks by the militants operating in Mandera County.
Two others were injured in the incidents.
Police said in the first attack, militants ambushed three people who were travelling in a salon car from Fino to Mandera Town at Kamor Bahaw area firing several bullets at their car before fleeing.
Police said 50-year-old Rukia Adan died on the spot, while his 35-year-old son Abdikadir Kuno who had accompanied her was shot in the thigh.
Hours later, the militants opened fire on another vehicle at the outskirt of Fino killing a man and his son on the spot.
Police said Moulid Billow and Ahmed Bata were killed after their vehicle was sprayed with bullets by suspected al-Shabaab militia.
The attacks had in June 2021 grounded operations in the county as most roads were rendered impassable.
Some have resorted to using air in their travels leaving the poor stranded.
Security agencies have not been spared in the attacks.
This forced the Mandera County Government to stop the movement of their vehicles over increasing terror-related incidents in the area.
The area of the attack, which is the northern part of the county has been a safe area since 2013 but has lately been a soft target.
Police have been mounting operations in the areas to deter their plans.
The terrorists have been targeting security installations in the area in a series of incidents destroying them.
This has affected among others the education sector forcing tens of teachers who are non-locals to flee.
The border region has borne the brunt of repeated attacks from the militants who are at times aided by locals.
The terrorists conduct attacks after breaching security zones, which left dozens of civilians and security officials dead or wounded.
They have been planting explosives on the routes used by the security agencies and attacking them.
Edited by D Tarus
