Kenya warns of Shabaab attack in Lamu at Ramadhan end, beefs up security
By Fauxile Kibet
NAIROBI: Kenya has boosted its security operations at the volatile Boni forest in the country’s coastal region following reports that Al-Shabab militia group was planning attacks in the area to mark the end of Ramadhan.
Police spokesman Charles Owino said in a statement that security officers have been deployed in the area following reports of movement of suspected militiamen from areas close to Somali border to the border along Kiunga-Hindu areas.
“This follows information we have received from local communities indicating sightings of suspected militia elements in the dense forests at Kihonge between Witu and Mpeketoni,” Owino said in a statement.
He further added that the Alshabaab have also extended their activities in parts of Lamu West and lower Tana.
“We have observed spillover of Alshabaab activities notably within Lamu West and lower parts of Tana River county. There have also been increased reports of sightings within the region an indication may have activated their makeshift camps in the vast Boni forest to flush out the militants,” the statement reads in part.
A few weeks ago, police issued a statement warning that Alshabaab militants may be planning to intensify attacks during the holy month of Ramadhan. Last week, a suspected Alshabaab attack claimed the lives of four officers in neighboring Garissa
Over the years, the Al-shabaab militants have been using the vast Boni Forest as their hideout to launch attacks on the civilians in Lamu.
Owino added that said security agencies have been able to block and contain attempts to infiltrate the forest to be used as hideouts by the extremist group to launch attacks.
“We have also some credible information on the movements of some militants under the leadership of Maalim Ayman and Mohamed Bilaal in southern Somalia towards the Lactabelt (The Boni Forest on the Somalia side) who may be planning to infiltrate into the country and carry out attacks against some soft targets within Boni forest in Lamu and its environs,” he said.
Kenyan police say that the militia group has changed its tactics and are now using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) mostly in North Eastern Kenya.