Ever since Kenya sent its troops into Somalia in 2011, the Al-Shabab group has carried out numerous Kenya attacks in retribution. The Al-Shabab, a militant group in Somalia, is opposed to the Somali government and looks to control it. This prompted the Kenyan government to intervene and help its neighbor Somalia return to peace. But that action has only brought Kenya sadness as there have been several terrorist attacks by the Al-Shabab in Kenya.
Previous attacks by the Al-Shabab in Kenya
In recent years, Kenya has seen many attacks, like on 15 to 16 January 2019. During the time, extremists linked to the Al-Shabab militant group attacked a hotel and commercial complex at 14 Riverside in Nairobi. Many people lost their lives during the attack, including one British national. In 2015 the militant group took to carrying out attacks mainly in Garissa county. During the year the militant group attacked the Garissa University College on 2 April 2015. At least 148 people died during the attack.
In June and July 2014, allies to the Al-Shabab militant group attacked Lamu and Tana River Counties on the Kenyan Coast. The Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack later on, in which at least 85 people died. In 2013, on the other hand, over 60 people, including six British nationals, lost their lives in an attack. Al-Shabab militants carried out an attack on the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi.
The Al-Shabab militant’s attack methods have mainly included bombings, knife attacks, shootings and grenades, car bombs, improvised explosive devices, and suicide vests. Over the years, the authorities have successfully disrupted many planned attacks and made several arrests. The Kenyan authorities have learned they need to increase security to counter potential reprisal attacks by Al-Shabab. Areas near the Somalia border and on the Kenyan coast require extra protection because the Al-Shabab carries out frequent attacks.
Attack in the northern county of Mandera
The Al-Shabab have frequently attacked the north-eastern border regions in Kenya, particularly in Lamu, Garissa, and Mandera counties. These areas are close to the Somali border, and many civilians and Kenyan security forces have lost their lives in the regions. Many of the attacks have been attributed to the Al-Shabab, leading to increased security forces in the affected areas.
But the heavy security presence in affected areas hasn’t helped much as the militant group continues to carry out attacks. In the most recent attack, four passengers lost their lives while dozens of others got wounded. According to a Kenyan official, the four lost their lives when a bus they traveled in hit an improvised bomb on a main road in the northern county of Mandera.
The bus was reportedly on its way to Mandera town when the incident occurred. The force of the explosion ripped the roof off the bus and sent it tumbling to a halt. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but suspicion has fallen on the Al-Shabab. The group has carried out many such attacks in the region, which Mandera governor Ali Roba says is worrisome. The governor has told the government his county needs immediate action as it is under growing threat from extremist groups. He said the militants’ control 50% of Mandera roads and 60% of the country’s territory. This has affected many students as it has led to the closure of many schools in the region.
MORE:
- Al-Shabab has continuously kept the record of ravaging East Africa
- Islamic Terrorist Group, Al-Shabab, Says They Attacked US Military Base in Somalia
