Two Kenyan Soldiers Killed, Two Injured in Landmine Explosion Near Mandera–Bula Hawo Border
Two Kenyan Soldiers Killed, Two Injured in Landmine Explosion Near Mandera–Bula Hawo Border
Two Kenyan security officers were killed and two others injured on Wednesday evening after a roadside landmine explosion occurred near the Kenya–Somalia border between Mandera County and Bula Hawo town, according to security sources.
The blast took place at an area known as Kulun Border Point Four, approximately 100 meters inside Kenyan territory, where the officers were conducting routine border surveillance duties. The explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) believed to have been planted underground.
Security officials confirmed that the officers accidentally stepped on the buried explosive, triggering a powerful blast that caused severe casualties among the patrol team.
The two officers who lost their lives were identified as Corporal Mohammed Abdow Issack and Police Constable Abdirashid Shabellow Ali. Authorities said both succumbed to injuries sustained during the explosion.
Two other officers were wounded in the incident. Police Constable Athan Noor Abdullah Abdi sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Mandera Referral Hospital, where his condition has been described as critical. Another officer, Police Constable (R) Abdullahi Jillow Adan, suffered minor injuries and is reported to be in stable condition.
Following the explosion, security forces from multiple agencies were immediately deployed to the scene, where they sealed off the area and launched investigations. Preliminary assessments suggest the attack may have been carried out by armed groups operating in the nearby border region, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility that it was a retaliatory attack.
Police also confirmed that all weapons and equipment carried by the officers were recovered, and no items were reported missing after the incident.
The bodies of the two deceased officers were later handed over to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic traditions.
Investigations into the incident are being led by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) under the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Mandera. Meanwhile, Kenyan authorities have intensified security operations along the Kenya–Somalia border to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of both security personnel and civilians.
The attack highlights ongoing security challenges along the porous border region, which has remained vulnerable to militant activity despite sustained counterterrorism efforts by Kenyan security forces.
