4 Kenyans abducted after al-Shabaab hijack ambulance in Mandera

THE STAR|MANDERA: Four people are missing after suspected al-Shabaab militants hijacked an ambulance that was ferrying patients to a hospital in Elwak, Mandera County.

The attack took place as a driver raced with a patient and two paramedics on board on Tuesday evening.

Police said a major operation launched later on did not bear fruits as the attackers had crossed the border to Somalia with the Kenyans.

All the victims are locals and there are high chances they will be released, officials involved in the search said.

By Wednesday, no word on the missing persons had been received from Somalia, police said.

Witnesses and police said the four included two paramedics based at Lafey Sub-County hospital, a patient, and the driver of the ambulance and were en route to Elwak hospital for referral services.

The four were identified as the 40-year-old patient-Moulid Abdi, Hassan Shaaban (driver), Abdirashid Billow Hussein and Aden Dai, both of whom are staff at Lafey hospital.

North Eastern police boss George Seda said the incident happened at about 5.50 pm.

He said the victims were driven towards Somalia through Komar Qota near Wante area.

“We have contacted the administration on the other side in efforts to secure the release of the four Kenyans,” he said.

The attackers were armed with rifles at the time of the incident.

Officials said there have been threats of attacks in the area.

The area has been facing attacks and threats from the militants who are roaming there.

Such attacks are common and they are usually solved through dialogue and the use of elders in the area.

Elwak is near the Kenya-Somalia border and is usually breached by terrorists who attack at will.

Two weeks ago, the terrorists went to two mosques in the area and lectured those present telling them to join them in their quest to fight non-Muslims.

They also attacked two communication masts before escaping.

Terrorists have been targeting security installations in a series of incidents and destroying them. They at times throw explosives, which don’t explode.

The border region has borne the brunt of repeated attacks from the militants who are at times aided by residents.

The terrorists at times plant explosives on the routes used by security agencies and attack them.

Somalia has not had a stable government after the fall of Siad Barre in 1991.