At least eight people are reported to have been killed in an armed ambush targeting workers on the Arabia–Lafey Road construction project in Mandera County.
In an incident alert issued by Armistice Security Consult International on Tuesday, November 10, the attack occurred at around 9:18 am in the Hagarsu area along the Arabia Road, within the Mandera–Arabia and Lafey corridor.
“At least eight people are reported killed in a deadly ambush targeting workers on the Arabia–Lafey Road construction project in the Hagarsu area along Arabia Road, Mandera County,” the alert read.
Two Police Reservists Among Those Killed in Mandera
Two Kenya Police Reservists (KPRs) who were escorting and providing security for the construction workers are among those reported killed.
Other fatalities were construction workers involved in the road project.
“Two Kenya Police Reservists (KPRs) who were escorting and providing security for the workers are among the dead. The remaining fatalities are construction workers.”
The Security Consult classified the incident as a high-level security alert and described it as a suspected terrorist attack.
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No group had formally claimed responsibility for the ambush at the time of the alert. The security firm said the attack pattern matched previous Al-Shabaab attacks in the area.
Mandera Governor
Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif condemned the attack, confirming that all eight occupants of the security vehicle were killed. The victims comprised five road construction workers, two Kenya Police Reservists (KPRs) and the driver.
In a statement, Khalif described the incident as a devastating loss to the affected families and the people of Mandera, noting that the victims were involved in infrastructure development in the county.
“This is a devastating loss, not only to the bereaved families, colleagues and friends of the departed, but also to the people of Mandera. It is particularly painful that individuals dedicated to advancing infrastructure and development in our county have lost their lives in such tragic circumstances.”
He called on security agencies to investigate the attack and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Khalif also reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to promote peace and security in Mandera.
Mandera–Arabia–Lafey Corridor Records Series of Deadly Attacks in 2026
The Mandera–Arabia–Lafey corridor has experienced repeated security incidents in 2026, with armed groups targeting civilians, police officers and security installations in several attacks.
On August 25, six herders were reportedly abducted at Wantey Dam in Lafey Sub-County. Five remained missing, with suspected militants allegedly demanding ransom in goats, cash or camels.
Earlier, on August 7, suspected al-Shabaab fighters attacked the Fino Special Operations Group (SOG) camp. Another Kenyan security position at Sheikh Barrow in Lafey reportedly came under gunfire and rocket-propelled grenade fire the following night.
July also recorded several attacks in the corridor. On July 29, al-Shabaab militants ambushed a Special Operations Group patrol near Wantey Dam, killing five Kenyan security personnel.
On July 24, suspected al-Shabaab militants launched attacks on Fino and Arabia towns in Lafey Sub-County, triggering heavy gunfire and panic among residents. Another attack at Quraqura-Wante on July 28 left five people dead.
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Earlier in June, suspected al-Shabaab fighters attacked the Special Operations Group camp in Fino on June 12, injuring three police officers. The camp had reportedly come under attack earlier that month.
The insecurity had also affected civilians in May. On May 9, gunmen ambushed a public service vehicle in Beer Awayon along the route to Arabia village, killing at least six people and injuring several others.
Victims of the attack were members of one family travelling from Mandera town to an annual Quran-recitation gathering in Arabia.
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