Kenya’s Special Operations Group (SOG) has successfully thwarted a planned terrorist attack by Al-Shabaab militants in an operation between Welmerer and Yumbis areas of Garissa County.
According to a statement from the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the elite SOG unit launched the operation following intelligence reports from local residents who had spotted suspicious movements involving eight militants believed to be preparing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The troops swiftly responded to the alert and engaged the militants in a brief exchange of fire, managing to recover several assembled explosives that were allegedly intended for attacks targeting civilians and security convoys using the route.
Security officials commended the vigilance of the local community, noting that their timely tip-off averted what could have been a deadly terror incident.
“We thank members of the public for their continued cooperation with security agencies,” the NCTC said in a statement. “Such collaboration is crucial in identifying and disrupting terrorist plots before they cause harm.”
The operation is part of ongoing intensified counterterrorism efforts in Kenya’s North Eastern region, where security agencies have increased patrols and intelligence coordination following a rise in infiltration attempts by Al-Shabaab fighters from neighboring Somalia.
Authorities say the latest incident underscores the importance of community policing and intelligence sharing in combating terrorism across the country.