Security forces kill four Al Shabaab militants, recover weapons

Four Al Shabaab militants have been killed by Kenyan security forces and a cache of weapons seized near the Somalia border.

Eight militants reportedly escaped with injuries but security forces leveraging advanced tracking techniques and cross-border co-operation, are pursuing them. 

"We are in hot pursuit and we will definitely catch up with these terrorists. There will be no place for them to hide," read a statement from a multi-agency security team.

 

The counter-terrorism operation in Banisa, Mandera county, marked another victory in Kenya's ongoing war against terrorism.

“The operation resulted in the recovery of a deadly arsenal, including a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher, four RPG warheads, a PKM machine gun, three AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines, five pistols, each with a magazine and five mobile phones,” read the statement. 

"This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to securing Kenya's borders and neutralizing the Al-Shabaab threat," a senior security official, who spoke on anonymity condition said.

The security team also said that weapons seized could have caused significant harm if they were used in terrorist activities.

The security forces said enhanced intelligence capabilities and multi-agency approach are yielding tangible results in the fight against extremism.

The operation is part of a broader, intensified counter-terrorism strategy that Kenya has been implementing in recent years.

The country has significantly ramped up efforts to combat Al-Shabaab and other extremist groups, within its borders. 

The multi-agency team responsible for manning the Kenya-Somalia border, lauded Banisa residents for their support during the operation.

According to the security team, Kenya's pivotal role in regional security has been emphasised by the United States' recent initiative to designate it as a major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA).

The team also said that the strengthened Kenya-US partnership, solidified during President William Ruto's recent State visit to Washington, is already bearing fruit and Kenya is set to receive 150 M1117 armoured vehicles from the US by September, which will enhance its capacity to counter the improvised explosive device (IED) attacks frequently employed by Al-Shabaab.

Similarly, the US has pledged $7 million (Sh889,941,878) modernise and professionalise the National Police Service through advanced training and development programmes.

At the same time, Kenya's counter-terrorism efforts were boosted by the establishment of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF-K) in 2020, with assistance from the FBI and US Department of State, a specialised unit which has enhanced Kenya's capacity to investigate and prosecute terrorists, leading to increased conviction rates.

Kenya's efforts extend beyond its borders, with its forces playing a crucial role in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

As part of its modernisation drive, Kenya has also commenced upgrading its security equipment, including the purchase of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles for use in counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations.

However, security experts have warned that the threat from Al-Shabaab is still substantial since the group has shown resilience and adaptability in the face of increased pressure from Kenyan and international forces.

“Kenya's multi-faceted approach, combining military action with community engagement, de-radicalization programs, and regional cooperation, is showing promising results in diminishing the terrorist threat,” the security team assured.