A team of police from the elite Kenya Special Operations Group (SOG) carried out a
daring and successful Intelligence-led operation at an al Shabaab hideout along
the Kenya-Somalia border and destroyed a base used as a logistics store.
The makeshift camp, which was used as a temporary logistics store for al
Shabaab, was discovered and destroyed by the team in Garissa’s Fafi area.
No arrest, clash or injuries were made in the operation, police said.
The Saturday, November 30 operation, according to police, underscores the unwavering
commitment of the team working in collaboration with other security actors and
local communities to safeguard the country against all threats.
The area is seen as a breeding ground
for terror groups, which emanate from neighbouring Somalia through the
porous border.
The security agencies have vowed to protect Kenyans and will always remain
vigilant.
This came a week after four other suspects were killed in the same region in an
operation and weapons were recovered.
Following a fierce exchange of fire on November 22, a significant cache of
weaponry including three AK-47 rifles and magazines, an RPG launcher, an RPG
warhead, VHF radios, detonators and other materials intended for a heinous plot
on Kenyan soil were recovered.
The team extended gratitude to the local community for their vigilance and
collaboration in reporting suspicious activities, which are vital in the fight
against terror.
The collaboration is also addressing
fears of violent extremism among some locals.
The National Counter Terrorism Centre has been at the forefront of efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism for two decades.
Director
Kibiego Kigen said they are committed in their drive to address the vice.
"My focus is on resilience, adaptability,
and inclusivity as we deepen partnerships with civil society, religious
leaders, and international allies to secure Kenya’s future," he said.
This is the latest such operation to be staged in the area amid fears the group
is trying to establish a base for fresh attacks.
The operations have thwarted dozens of planned attacks in the area and inland.
The area is under a multi-agency security operation and is near the Kenya-Somalia
border.
The multi-agency operation seeks to flush out the militants from the.
This has seen a significant reduction in such incidents.
The area has been facing an increase in terror-related attacks because of its proximity to the Somalia border.
The border areas of Mandera, Wajir, Lamu and Garissa too have faced similar
attacks, which have affected development at large.
The government says they have acquired more resources to enhance operations in
the border area against the terrorists.
These attacks have left many dead and displaced others hence affecting development.
The area is near the Kenya-Somalia border where the terrorists cross at will
for attacks before retreating to their areas of control.
Kenya has been staging operations to tame their activities.
