Four suspected Al-Shabaab militants were fatally shot during a police raid on terrorist hideouts in Garissa County.
According to a statement from the National Police Service (NPS), the operation was carried out on Monday, June 2, by the Special Operations Group (SOG), an elite police unit, following intelligence reports.
The raid targeted locations in the Najo and Guracho areas of Garissa.
“A fierce exchange of fire ensued, overwhelming the Al-Shabaab terrorists,” the NPS said.
“This resulted in four terrorists being fatally shot and the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, one PKM machine gun, assorted ammunition, and communication radios, among other items.”
NPS to Al-Shabaab
The NPS described the action as part of a series of well-coordinated efforts to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s network in the region.
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The agency praised its collaboration with other security units and local communities, adding that it remains “steadfast in its commitment to serving and protecting Kenyans, residents, and visitors.”
Garissa, located in eastern Kenya near the Somali border, has experienced sporadic attacks attributed to Al-Shabaab, an Islamist militant group based in Somalia that has been active in Kenya for over a decade.
Police did not report any casualties among their officers or provide further details about the suspects.
Nakuru police officer shot dead
On the other hand, a police officer was killed and two others seriously injured in a shootout with suspected criminals on June 1 night in the Freehold area of Nakuru City.
Constable Josphat Ruto, who lost his life in the attack, was on patrol with three fellow officers when they were ambushed by armed assailants along Freehold Road.
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Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara stated that the armed suspects were believed to be preparing to commit a crime at the time of the encounter.
Three suspects were arrested at the scene, while four others, William Nyairi Rioba, Nyari Nyamwara Maluke, Emmanuel Mwita, and Catherine Nkatha Zakayo were arrested at a lodging in the Tahidi area.
Following interrogations, the suspects led police to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle believed to have been used in the fatal shooting.
The injured officers are currently receiving treatment at Nakuru Level Five Hospital.
An intensive manhunt launched in the wake of the deadly attack has resulted in the arrest of several suspects linked to the officer’s murder.
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