Kenyans living near the Ethiopia border have been placed on alert following reports of armed clashes at night in Moyale town, where heavy weapons and rocket-propelled grenades were used in the escalating war along the border.
An incident alert issued by Armistice Security Consult International on November 13, 2026, reported that heavy weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), were used during the clashes.
“Intense fighting has been reported ongoing for more than four consecutive hours in Moyale, with claims of a heavy offensive by Oromia regional forces. Use of heavy weapons and artillery (RPGs) has been reported, with residential areas where civilians live coming under bombardment,” read part of the statement.
The clashes involved Oromia regional forces, Somali regional forces and allied groups, amid tensions involving Borana Oromo and Garre Somali communities.
Heavy Weapons Used in Ethiopia Clashes Affecting Kenyans Near Border
According to the security alert, fighting continued for more than four consecutive hours, with Oromia regional forces reportedly mounting a heavy offensive.
Heavy weapons, artillery and RPGs were allegedly used during the clashes, with residential neighbourhoods where civilians live coming under fire.
Reports also indicated that several houses had been hit, including one reportedly occupied by children.
The conflict reportedly began around October 18, 2026, after the raising of a Somali regional flag and the opening of an administrative office in a disputed area of Moyale.
Tensions escalated following the subsequent death of a 13-year-old girl, triggering exchanges of heavy gunfire between regional forces and armed groups.
The violence later spread to several areas, including Arero and Wachile, with reports of continued confrontations between the rival groups.
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Two Killed, 22 Injured as Ethiopia Clashes Spill Into Kenya
In an update, Marsabit County Governor Mohamud Ali stated that more than 50,000 people have crossed into Marsabit County from Ethiopia to seek safety following escalating armed clashes in Moyale, while two people have been killed and 22 others injured by stray bullets.
Additionally, 10,000 residents have been displaced within the county, as registration and profiling of displaced families is still ongoing.
The governor said the violence experienced in Moyale had disrupted essential services, including learning and national examinations, electricity supply and cross-border trade, while affecting livelihoods and reducing county revenue.
The county also raised concerns over explosive ordnance landing in civilian areas, including near public facilities, warning that unexploded devices posed a serious threat to residents, particularly children.
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Further, he noted that the humanitarian situation has been complicated by the displacement of families into schools and temporary shelters, while others have sought accommodation with relatives and host families.
The County Government said overcrowded shelters, shortages of essential medicines and worsening nutritional conditions had increased public health concerns, with measles and rubella cases already confirmed among affected communities.
It called for expanded immunization, disease surveillance, nutritional support and improved access to clean water and sanitation to prevent further disease outbreaks.
The county is coordinating with the National Government and humanitarian organizations to provide emergency food and water, medical screening, treatment, protection services and essential household supplies.
However, the governor said the scale of the crisis had exceeded available resources, appealing to the National Government, United Nations agencies and development partners to increase their support.
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