Police dismiss reports of attack in Mandera town

The National Police Service has dismissed reports claiming that there was an attack in Mandera town on Monday.

This is after a video was shared on social media capturing local residents running in fear with gunshots being heard in the background.

Communication was also cut off in the area at around 10am with tension remaining high for the better part of Monday.

Several people are also reported to have been injured in the incident.

However, police spokesperson Charles Owino said the incident being referred to happened in Somalia’s Bulla Hawa area which borders Mandera town.

“We wish to reassure Kenyans that our security teams are on high alert to avert any attempt by militants in Gedo region straying into the country. We have also deployed security officers appropriately to ensure peace and tranquility,” said Owino in a press release.

“Members of the public are cautioned against sharing unverified information on social media or any other platform as this will propagate panic and anxiety among people.”

Reports indicate that the explosion and gunshots resulted from a clash between Jubbaland forces and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) troops.

It is understood that FGS troops have been camping at Bulla Hawa town seeking to capture a Jubbaland minister, who escaped from a Mogadishu prison in January this year and is hiding in the area neighbouring Mandera.