Probe after two officers killed in terror attack
A joint operation has been launched in various parts of Mandera County following an attack on Sunday that left two officers dead and five others injured.
National Police Service (NPS) headquarters yesterday said two of the injured officers were in a serious condition.
Officials said major operation followed the bomb attack in Ledhi area, Arabia by suspected al-Shabaab militants.
The militants set up the IED on the road and targeted a police vehicle that was carrying officers from the Quick Response Unit (QRU), an elite unit from Kenya Police that is among those operating in the area.
The officers were on patrol on a Mounted Patrol from Arabia to Mandera when they encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on Sunday morning, police said.
The area has experienced a significant decline in attacks in the month of August which signals better exploitation of intelligence by security forces.
Security sources said the multi-agency teams are pursuing reports the attack was carried out by a cell operating in the area.
“We are pursuing them with the help of the locals. We continue to urge for their help to tame this menace,” said a senior officer on the ground who asked not to be named.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) yesterday condemned the attack on officers dutifully undertaking their duty to secure the lives of Kenyans.
“At the onset, the Authority sends condolences to the Inspector General of Police, members of the National Police Service, the families and friends of the fallen heroes. IPOA also wishes quick restoration of health for the officers who were injured in the attack,” IPOA said.
The authority said they remained committed to ensure Kenya attains and sustains the highest possible standards of policing, including through ensuring that all law enforcement officers are adequately cushioned.
The area near the border with Somalia has suffered a series of terrorist attacks.
The terrorists have been attacking places near the Kenyan border by using guns and explosives leaving dozens dead and many injured.
Source » pd.co.ke
