Eight Border Patrol Officers Injured in Devastating IED Blast in Garissa’s Fafi Sub-County
The horrifying attack occurred in the volatile Kiwanja-Yumbis area of Fafi Sub-County, Garissa County, roughly 10 kilometres from Yumbis town.
The officers were on a routine patrol when the explosion rocked their vehicle. Authorities suspect Al-Shabaab militants were behind the vicious ambush.
County Commissioner Confirms the Attack
Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo spoke shortly after the incident.
“All the injured officers are receiving treatment and are in stable condition,”
“Security forces are already on the ground pursuing the attackers,” he added.
Immediately after the attack, a joint security operation was launched. The aim is to chase down the suspected militants and sweep the area for more explosives.
Rising Pattern of Targeted Attacks
This isn’t the first time Kenyan officers have been targeted with IEDs.
Just last month, on July 8, another brutal attack in Mandera East left seven officers injured.
According to a police report filed at Khalalio Police Station, their vehicle was hit between Aresa and Khalalio, only four kilometres from the station.
The Mandera-based officers were riding in a government vehicle when a hidden IED exploded.
“The blast damaged the entire rear of the vehicle,”
“Six officers suffered injuries to legs, hands, chest, forehead and eyes,” the report stated.
Miraculously, one officer escaped unharmed.
In another incident on May 8, three officers narrowly survived an IED blast in Daadab, Garissa County.
“The explosive had been planted on the road before 6 a.m.,”
confirmed Garissa County Commissioner Naftali Koojo,
“We are staying on high alert.”
Al-Shabaab Tactics Evolving
Security experts warn that Al-Shabaab’s use of IEDs is strategic.
“They avoid direct combat and instead use IEDs to strike from a distance,”
said one security analyst.
The militants target isolated areas, relying on the element of surprise. IEDs are difficult to detect and are often hidden along roads or inside daily items.
This asymmetric warfare gives the militants a deadly advantage. It also puts security personnel in constant danger—especially in northern Kenya counties like Garissa, Mandera, and Lamu
The Nation on Edge
These recurring attacks have sparked national concern. The safety of security forces and civilians in the region remains fragile. As operations intensify, Kenyans are left hoping for peace and justice for those risking their lives daily.
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Eight Border Patrol Officers Injured in Devastating IED Blast in Garissa’s Fafi Sub-County
