Thursday May 2, 2024

At least six suspected members of the al Shabaab terror group were Wednesday killed in an ambush by security forces in Kumba area, Lamu County.

Police said they also confiscated significant logistical supplies.

The scene of the ambush falls within the expansive Boni Forest where the terrorists hide as they plan to launch attacks on the Kenyan side.

Kenya Defence Forces who are part a multi-agency team operating in the area staged the ambush.

The personnel said some of the terrorists managed to escape.

“The public is advised to remain vigilant as the operation may lead to increased activity from the group, particularly as the number of injured terrorists is reported to be high,” an official said.

Among those killed was a light-skinned man who authorities believe is a foreigner.

The raid was staged following intelligence reports that the group was planning an attack in the area.

Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour or individuals seeking assistance in the area.

A major operation is ongoing in areas affected by terror-related attacks.

This has seen a significant reduction in such incidents.

Areas bordering Boni Forest have been facing increased terror-related attacks largely due to its proximity to the Somalia border.

The border areas of Mandera, Wajir, Lamu and Garissa have faced similar attacks resulting in slugging development in the areas.

Kenya postponed the planned reopening of its border with Somalia due to such attacks.

The government says they have acquired more resources to enhance operations in the border area against the terrorists.

The attacks have left many dead and displaced scores hence affecting development.

Police and military officials said they are in active pursuit of the attackers believed to be remnants of al Shabaab hiding in Boni Forest.

The terrorists cross over from Somalia and stage attacks in Kenya before retreating to their hideouts in the forest areas under their control.

Kenya has been staging operations over the years to tame their activities.

Somalia has not had no stable government for decades to help in addressing such attacks.

Bahrain News Agency
Thursday May 2, 2024

Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Foreign Affairs Minister, held a meeting with his Somali counterpart, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, on the sidelines of the third session of the Arab Economic and Cooperation Forum with Central Asian Countries and the Republic of Azerbaijan, held today in Doha.

The two ministers discussed the solid fraternal relations between both countries, and ways to bolster bilateral cooperation across fields to serve common interests.

They also exchanged views vis-à-vis the current regional developments, and the ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, protect civilians and deliver humanitarian aid to the civilian population, as well as launch a process to establish peace, security and stability in the region.

The ongoing preparations for the 33rd Arab Summit, set to be hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain on May 16, in addition to the Summit’s agenda were also reviewed.

Hundreds of families fled their homes in the central Somali town of Beledweyne on Thursday following five consecutive days of rainfall, which caused flooding.

The floods affected several villages, including Kutimbo and Radeerka, in the Koshin neighborhoods.

“We didn’t expect the rain to affect us, but we found water had entered our houses. We had to evacuate with the children, and the rainwater was strong. We sought refuge on higher ground, enduring the cold last night.
We can’t return to our houses yet as the roads and homes are still flooded,” said one of the affected families.

No casualties have been reported yet, as local officials and rescue teams are assisting the flood-affected people in the town.

Beledweyne, the capital of Hiiraan region, is approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of Mogadishu.