At Least Two Killed in Blast Targeting Kenyan Forces in Northeastern Kenya

GARISSA, Kenya, July 15 – At least two civilians were killed and several others injured in a roadside bomb attack targeting a vehicle in northeastern Kenya’s Garissa County, security officials and local sources said Monday.

The improvised explosive device (IED) was reportedly aimed at Kenyan security forces traveling along the road between Ijara and Bodhai, a region frequently patrolled due to militant activity. Somalia-based militant group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.

The two civilians who lost their lives were identified as Mohamed Shabeel Bashir and Abdiqadir Mahmoud Salad. According to local sources, they were en route to Bodhai, one of the remote settlements in Garissa County, when the explosion occurred.

Bodhai area chief Dubat Mohamed told reporters the explosive appeared to have been planted in anticipation of military movement.

“This is a tragic incident. We believe the intended target was a convoy of security personnel who often use that route,” Dubat said. “Our forces are currently investigating suspicious areas, and we urge residents to cooperate by reporting any unusual activity.”

The attack follows a similar IED incident last week in the outskirts of Mandera, another northeastern region, where a Kenyan military convoy was struck, resulting in casualties.

Kenya’s northeastern regions have experienced a resurgence in cross-border attacks from Al-Shabaab in recent months, raising security concerns for both civilians and security personnel operating in the area.

GAROWE ONLINE