Kenyan Police Arrest Two Al-Shabaab Suspects in Mandera

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MANDERA: Kenyan anti-terrorism police have arrested two suspected Al-Shabaab operatives who were allegedly planning to abduct a group of foreign nationals working in Mandera.

Acting on intelligence reports, security forces apprehended the prime suspect, Isaac Abdi Mohamed, also known as Kharan Abdi Hassan, 29. Investigations revealed that he had recently crossed into Kenya from El-Ade, Somalia, using forged documents to pose as a Kenyan citizen.

“Upon thorough scrutiny and interrogation, it was discovered that the suspect planned to pay Ksh 100,000 to a local associate to facilitate the abduction,” the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stated. The plan allegedly involved transferring the kidnapped individuals to El-Ade, with Mohamed and an accomplice, Noor Yacob Ali, 29, set to receive Ksh 300,000 for their role.

In a separate operation early Tuesday, a multi-agency security team arrested Noor Yacob Ali in the Metameta area of Mandera Township. Authorities believe he was an integral part of the plot.

Both suspects remain in custody and are undergoing further interrogation. They are expected to face charges under Kenya’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) for their alleged involvement in a terrorist network.

Kenyan authorities have intensified counterterrorism operations in Mandera County, a region frequently targeted by Al-Shabaab due to its proximity to the Somali border. This latest operation underscores the country’s commitment to disrupting terrorist activities and safeguarding national security.