2 Police Officers Killed, 5 Injured in Suspected Al-Shabaab Attack

2 Police Officers Killed, 5 Injured in Suspected Al-Shabaab Attack

Garissa, Kenya – Two border patrol officers attached to the Administration Police (AP) were killed on Tuesday after their vehicle was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Kulan, near Daadab. Five other officers sustained injuries in the suspected Al-Shabaab attack, underscoring the growing threat of militant activity in Garissa County.

Preliminary reports indicate that the patrol vehicle ran over the explosive during a routine operation, triggering the deadly blast. The injured officers were rushed to nearby medical facilities, with some reported to be in critical condition.

Local authorities suspect the IED was deliberately planted along the patrol trail by Al-Shabaab militants, though no group had claimed responsibility by the time of publication.

Pattern of Attacks in Garissa

The incident adds to a series of attacks in Garissa County, where militants have increasingly relied on IEDs to ambush security forces. In May 2025, three police officers narrowly survived a similar attack when their Land Cruiser was hit by an explosive during an early morning patrol. The officers escaped with minor injuries after the device detonated prematurely, though the vehicle sustained significant damage.

In October, Kenya’s elite Special Operations Group (SOG) foiled another attack after intercepting eight suspected militants assembling explosives in the Eelmerer-Yumbia area. Intelligence from local residents enabled the unit to respond swiftly, preventing what could have been another deadly ambush.

Security experts note that IEDs remain a preferred weapon for militant groups because they are inexpensive, difficult to detect in rough terrain, and capable of disrupting logistics and morale.

“IEDs are an asymmetric warfare tool. Militants use them because they cannot match state armies in firepower, so they strike high-value targets to level the field,” explained a senior security analyst familiar with operations in Garissa.

Community Vulnerabilities

Garissa County has increasingly come under scrutiny for its vulnerability to terror attacks. A recent report highlighted how funding shortfalls and program cuts in refugee camps and surrounding areas have created conditions that militants exploit to thrive.

The Dadaab refugee complex, located near the site of Tuesday’s attack, has long been viewed as a potential recruitment ground for extremist groups. Security officials argue that limited resources for surveillance and community programs have made it harder to counter radicalisation.

Government Response

Kenyan authorities have vowed to intensify patrols and intelligence operations in Garissa and other border regions. Senior police officials said investigations into the latest attack are ongoing, with efforts focused on tracking the perpetrators and dismantling their networks.

“We condemn this cowardly attack on our officers. The government will not relent in its fight against terrorism. We are working closely with communities to ensure militants do not find safe havens in our country,” a police spokesperson said.

Conclusion

The deaths of the two officers and injuries to five others highlight the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab militants along Kenya’s northeastern frontier. With Garissa County increasingly targeted, security agencies face mounting pressure to strengthen surveillance, enhance community cooperation, and secure vulnerable patrol routes.

As investigations continue, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by frontline officers and the urgent need for sustained counter-terrorism measures in Kenya’s border regions.

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2 Police Officers Killed, 5 Injured in Suspected Al-Shabaab Attack