At least eight Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers were killed in Ijara, Garissa County, on Tuesday evening when a vehicle they were travelling in ran over an explosive suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED)
Local administrators and police bosses remained tight-lipped over the incident, only directing journalists to the directorate of defence.
However, security sources told The Standard that the victims, who are part of a contingent of KDF soldiers guarding the LAPSET project, were heading to Sangailu to recover one of their vehicles which had stalled there.
"They were attacked at a place called Gabaya, between Handaro and Gedilun. It is unfortunate. We have lost heroes in the attack," said an administrator who did not wish to be named.
KDF often carries out routine patrols along the border of Kenya and Somalia, as well as the Boni forest.
Attacks attributed to militants have increased in the region in the recent past. And in response, the government has enhanced security with more security forces being deployed to the area.
Locals claimed security officials have imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew to help security operations and hunting down of the militants.
Ijara was thrown into mourning as one of the fallen soldiers, who was identified as Sadam Adhan Abdule, is from the area.
He was described as a selfless, brave and dedicated KDF officer who paid the ultimate price defending his country.
"He had a young family with only one child. He was dedicated to his work. I can only hope that perpetrators of this heinous act will one day stand justice," said Mohamed Abdi, a close relative.
The officer joined the military in 2016 after completing his training early in 2017.
