At least five Kenyan security officers have been killed after a patrol vehicle struck a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) in Mandera County.
The officers, comprising four members of the Special Operations Group (SOG) and one National Police Reservist, were reportedly conducting a routine security patrol when their vehicle hit the explosive along the Alungu Main Supply Route in the El-Raamo area of Kutulo, near the Kenya-Somalia border.
The blast destroyed the patrol vehicle and killed the five officers. A gun battle reportedly followed the explosion as security officers engaged suspected attackers, who later escaped from the area.
Security reinforcements have since been deployed to pursue the suspected militants, who are believed to have fled towards the nearby border. Several officers injured during the subsequent attack were reportedly evacuated to Nairobi for further medical treatment.
Although no group had immediately claimed responsibility at the time of reporting, authorities suspect the attack may be linked to Al-Shabaab militants, who have previously carried out attacks in Kenya's northeastern region.
The incident has renewed concerns over security along the Kenya-Somalia border, with investigations and security operations continuing in the area.
The officers, comprising four members of the Special Operations Group (SOG) and one National Police Reservist, were reportedly conducting a routine security patrol when their vehicle hit the explosive along the Alungu Main Supply Route in the El-Raamo area of Kutulo, near the Kenya-Somalia border.
The blast destroyed the patrol vehicle and killed the five officers. A gun battle reportedly followed the explosion as security officers engaged suspected attackers, who later escaped from the area.
Security reinforcements have since been deployed to pursue the suspected militants, who are believed to have fled towards the nearby border. Several officers injured during the subsequent attack were reportedly evacuated to Nairobi for further medical treatment.
Although no group had immediately claimed responsibility at the time of reporting, authorities suspect the attack may be linked to Al-Shabaab militants, who have previously carried out attacks in Kenya's northeastern region.
The incident has renewed concerns over security along the Kenya-Somalia border, with investigations and security operations continuing in the area.
