Kenya: At least three killed in Sarman attack (Mandera County) February 19

Event

According to media sources, unidentified gunmen attacked a passenger bus in Sarman (Mandera County) near Kenya's northeastern border with Somalia on Wednesday, February 19, killing at least three people and wounding several others. The passenger-filled bus was traveling from Mandera to Nairobi when gunmen ambushed it and opened fire.

Similar attacks are possible in Mandera County over the near term.

Context

Attacks along the Kenya-Somalia border by Al Shabaab militants are common, notably targeting security forces with roadside bombs.

Advice

Individuals in Mandera County are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the incident, and adhere to all instructions issued by 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.