Two killed as suspected Al Shabaab militants attack lorry in Lamu

At least two people were killed in a suspected Al Shabaab attack Wednesday night at Milihoi near Mpeketoni in Lamu County.

According to the Director of Operations in Boni Forest James Ole Serian, heavily armed gunmen ambushed a truck in the evening leaving two people dead and two others seriously injured including an administration police officer who is currently receiving treatment.

The attack by the terrorists, who barricaded the road, also left another vehicle burnt before making away with a police vehicle.

Jedidah, a survivor, described her escape as a miracle after she hid in the bushes the entire night. She was rescued by Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) officers Thursday morning.

“I just thank God I’m safe. The terrorists were around 30 when they attacked us. At that time, we entered the forest and they tried shooting at us but we got lucky,” narrated Jedidah.

She also said that the attackers were using a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) vehicle.

However, reports indicate that the vehicle belonging to administration police which was hijacked has since been recovered.

The operations in the thick and expansive Boni Forest have intensified in pursuit of the terrorists.

Early this month, one Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) officer died after succumbing to injuries he sustained following a land mine explosion at Laktabei near the Kenya-Somalia border in Lamu East.

The explosion also injured two others who are currently recuperating in hospital.

Lamu County witnessed the most brutal killings in June last year where multiple attacks by the Al Shabaab militants resulted in the death of more than 60 men.

A curfew in the county was renewed for 90 days to tame insecurity in the volatile region.

However, in November, police outlined the achievements attained in the on-going Operation Linda Boni saying that six Al-Shabaab camps in Boni forest had been destroyed and weapons stolen by Al Shabaab during an attack at Mpeketoni recovered.