Security heightened in Lamu after Shabaab attack on KDF camp

Police have heightened security in Lamu and Tana River counties after Al Shabaab militants attacked a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) camp in Kulbiyow near Hughulo at the Kenya – Somalia border on Friday, January 27.

According to police, suspected Shabaab fighters are planning to cross the border into the country.

Security officials say all borders have been sealed in the two counties in order to prevent the militants from sneaking into the country and lodge attacks.

The security officers are also doing thorough inspections to private and public vehicles in the regions to ensure maximum security.

On Friday, heavy fighting erupted after Al Shabaab militants reportedly attacked a remote Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) base in Somalia near the Kenya border.

According to KDF spokesperson, Lt. Col. Paul Njugua, the attempted attack by the Islamist fighters was repulsed by the Kenya troops who killed over 70 of them.

Speaking to Citizen Digital on phone, Col. Njuguna, said the KDF soldiers were quick to act.

“At about 5:00 am, the enemy (Al Shabaab) attacked the KDF camp but our troops were on high alert and repulsed them. The Al Shabaab had a bad day today,” said Col. Njuguna.

Kenya also lost nine servicemen during the attack while over ten others suffered injuries and were airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment.

The militants had claimed to have overrun the Kenyan camp killing dozens of soldiers who are in the neighbouring East African country on a mission to help fight the Al Qaeda-linked militants.