Kenya: Security forces repel Al-Shabaab attack in Manda Bay January 5 /update 1

Event

The Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) issued a statement saying that Al-Shabaab fighters were successfully repelled after assaulting the Manda Air Strip (Lamu county) on the morning (local time) of Sunday, January 5. According to initial reports, the attack began at approximately 05:30 with militants attempting to breach the base with a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED). At least four Al-Shabaab militants were reportedly killed during the operation. Al-Shabaab also released a statement on Sunday morning claiming responsibility for the assault, saying that their fighters inflicted casualties and destroyed equipment. Details are still emerging.

Similar attacks are possible in regions bordering Somalia over the near term.

Advice

Individuals in Lamu county are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the incident, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

Due to various security concerns, many Western governments advise against travel to a number of regions in the country, including areas bordering Somalia (parts of Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and Lamu counties), Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Nonessential travel to the city of Mombasa and several Nairobi neighborhoods (including Eastleigh and Pangani) is also advised against.