Kenya: At least five soldiers killed in IED blast in Lamu August 29

Event

At least five Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) soldiers were killed on Wednesday, August 29, when their vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) on the road between the towns of Kiunga and Sankuri located in Lamu county. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, although Al-Shabaab is suspected. Details are still emerging.

Context

Recent KDF operations in the area are attempting to drive out Al-Shabaab militants from the Boni National Reserve along the border with Somalia. Al-Shabaab regularly carries out attacks near the porous border with Somalia as well as coastal areas. Kenya has been part of a multi-national force to fight Al-Shabaab in Somalia since 2011.

Advice

Individuals in Kenya are advised to avoid the northern coast and border regions, remain vigilant, monitor the situation, and adhere to instructions issued by the local authorities.

Due to these and other security concerns, many Western governments advise against travel to a number of regions in the country, including areas bordering Somalia (parts of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu counties), Ethiopia, and South Sudan, as well as nonessential travel to the city of Mombasa. Several Nairobi neighborhoods, including Eastleigh and Pangani, are also best avoided.