Security teams are on high alert after suspected al-Shabaab militants separately attacked two Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) teams in Garissa and Lamu. The incidents occurred on Saturday, September 19, 2026, with the first attack happening along the LAPSSET corridor in Garissa County. KDF personnel providing security in the area were probed by suspected al-Shabaab militants armed with a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG).
In the Garissa incident, the KDF officers were conducting routine security patrols when they came under attack from suspected members of al-Shabaab. The officers responded to the incident, prompting the suspected militants to flee towards Degwardey village. KDF support teams were subsequently mobilised to comb the area and search for the suspected attackers. No casualties were reported during the incident.
Elsewhere, the militants launched a brief probing attack on a KDF camp at Bodhei Junction in Lamu county on Saturday morning. According to officials, an unknown number of suspected militants approached the camp and fired two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), accompanied by rapid rifle fire, targeting the KDF camp. The attack lasted approximately two minutes before the militants were repulsed, witnesses said.
The incidents are the latest in a series that have been happening in the region amid operations. Last week, officials said security operations were mounted after suspected al-Shabaab militants attempted to attack an Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) camp in Elram, Mandera county, but were repulsed by security officers. A similar incident happened at a General Service Unit camp in Kiunga, Lamu county.
Police officials said no injuries were reported in both incidents. The first incident occurred on September 10, 2026, at the ASTU Elram Camp. The al-Shabaab militants had been spotted at Chabicha Hills, heading towards the camp. The police had already taken defensive positions when the militants launched a probing attack from the eastern side of the camp.
Security officers were expected to remain vigilant as investigations and efforts to establish the identities and movements of the suspected militants continued. The area has witnessed repeated cross-border incursions targeting security personnel, communication infrastructure and public transport in recent years. Kenya deployed the Kenya Defence Forces into Somalia under Operation Linda Nchi on October 14, 2011.
The encounters come amid continued security concerns along Kenya’s northern border, where security agencies have stepped up patrols and surveillance to deter cross-border attacks by suspected al-Shabaab militants. Police and military officers are expected to maintain heightened vigilance in the area as security operations continue, officials said. The incidents are the latest of attacks targeting security agents and installations in the region.
Key points
- The attacks were repulsed by security officers with no reported casualties or injuries.
- The incidents are part of a series of attacks happening in the region amid operations.
- Security agencies have stepped up patrols and surveillance to deter cross-border attacks by suspected al-Shabaab militants.
