Three Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers were killed after their patrol encountered an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Sankuri-Kiunga Main Supply Route in Lamu County. The incident adding to continued threat posed by IEDs and armed militias in Lamu region.
KDF confirmed the incident through an official statement on its X platform announcing a multi-agency operation was underway to pursue those behind the attack.
“Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops on patrol along the Sankuri-Kiunga Main Supply Route (MSR) encountered an improvised explosive device (IED),” the statement from KDF read.
The defence force immediately initiated containment measures in the wider Boni Enclave following the explosion.
“Immediately after the incident, multi-agency security teams launched operations in pursuit of perpetrators of the heinous act and have heightened the manning of routes in and out of the area to deny the enemy freedom of movement,” the statement said.
According to the statement, other wounded soldiers were airlifted to specialized military medical facilities within the region and are currently in stable condition.
“Wounded personnel were evacuated to specialised military medical facilities in the region and are responding well to treatment,” KDF said
On the other hand the military mourned the loss of three of its servicemen, who it says died in the line of duty while securing the nation.
“Regrettably, three gallant soldiers succumbed to their injuries. These soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the citizens of Kenya. The entire KDF fraternity condoles with their families,” the statement added.
Despite the tragic loss, KDF reaffirmed its commitment to restoring long-term peace in the troubled region through Operation Amani Boni, a long-standing multi-agency initiative aimed at rooting out terror elements hiding in the dense Boni Forest.
“KDF and the entire multi-agency Operation Amani Boni fraternity remain unbowed and have the resolve to ensure that sustainable peace is attained in the area of responsibility,” read the concluding part of the statement.
As the government intensifies counter-terrorism efforts along the Kenya-Somalia border, the threat from such groups still remain a major hurdle in achieving peace and stability in this region.
