Kenya: Casualties reported following a roadside explosion in Mandera County Jan. 31

Event

An unconfirmed number of casualties have been reported following a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) detonation in Mandera County Jan. 31. A public service vehicle ran over the IED on the Arabia-Mandera (E847) road. Reports indicate that the minibus was ambushed by attackers following the explosion. The incident killed at least seven, but possibly up to 13 individuals. An investigation is ongoing. Authorities have attributed the attack to the Al-Shabaab militant group.

Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely in the impacted area.

Context

Al-Shabaab, along with some radicalized local sympathizers, operate in Kenya and carry out mainly opportunistic attacks. The threat is highest along the Kenya-Somalia border in Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties. Al-Shabaab typically targets private citizens, law enforcement personnel, and transport vehicles. Common tactics employed in such attacks include suicide operations, armed assaults, bomb/grenade attacks, kidnappings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in and near Kenyan ports.

Advice

Avoid the scene of the incident until authorities have secured the area and given the all-clear. Heed the instructions of local security personnel. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.