Three killed in Mandera landmine attack

Three people were killed and five others injured in a terror attack in Guba location, Mandera County.

The three; two police officers and one engineer died after a vehicle, they were travelling in was hit by an explosive believed to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED)

While confirming the incident, Mandera County Commissioner Amos Mariba said a rescue operation was underway and that the injured officers are receiving treatment at Banisa Sub County Referral Hospital.

"I have received security reports that one of our vehicles was hit by a landmine today and we lost security officers," said Mariba on the phone.

When asked how the deceased engineer was onboard a police land cruiser, the County security boss said he might have been given a lift.

According to Mariba, the casualties were onboard a police land cruiser that was escorting a bus from Banisa town towards Sarman village in Mandera North.

He said three land cruisers escorted Moyale liner bus service this morning before one of them exploded and thereafter excessive fire exchange ensued between the attackers and police.

"Our officers have bravely engaged the attackers and repulsed them and there was no more harm. All the passengers on the bus have been rescued and now travelling to Mandera on a full escort," said Mariba.

According to a local administrator in Banisa who spoke to The Standard on condition of anonymity, two police officers are at large as they disappeared into the bush during the attack.

"Apart from two of our officers missing, the vehicle was extensively damaged and the bodies have been recovered," said the source in a phone interview.

Special forces camp situated in Guba, a few kilometres away from today's scene was attacked last night with no casualties reported, Mariba confirmed.

The county commissioner, however, assured the public of their safety and affirmed that security officers are on continuous patrol, especially in areas where the militants are likely to hide.

According to Moyale liner bus service manager Mr Ali Ker, all 30 passengers are safe and arrived at Rhamo town shortly after the incident

Today's attack happened one day after all the security heads and the County leaders embarked on a new route to devise innovative ways to deal with insecurity and violent radicalization.