Mandera, Kenya| A suspected terrorist attack believed to be carried out by al-Shabaab militants has left five quarry workers dead and two others seriously injured in Bur Abor village, Mandera East, early Monday morning.
The 7:00 AM ambush has once again cast a harsh spotlight on the fragile security situation in northeastern Kenya.
According to eyewitnesses and preliminary findings by local authorities, the attackers stormed the quarry site shortly after the workers arrived.
The assailants reportedly encircled their vehicle and opened fire indiscriminately.
While 25 workers managed to escape unharmed, five were shot dead on the spot, and two others sustained life-threatening injuries.
Local security officials suspect the Somalia-based extremist group al-Shabaab, which has a long history of launching cross-border assaults in the region, though no group has officially claimed responsibility.
“Tragic Security Incident”
Bur Abor Village Administrator Mohamed Abdiaziz Roble described the attack as a “deeply troubling security incident” that has left the local community in mourning and fear.
“The identities of the victims are being confirmed. We are working to notify their families and the communities they come from,” Roble told local press in a telephone interview. “We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.”
Roble added that the village administration is collaborating with law enforcement to enhance security around the area and ensure such incidents do not recur.
First Attack in a Previously Calm Area
The attack is the first reported outbreak of violence in the Khalalio-Hareeri corridor of Mandera East, an area that had until now been considered relatively stable.
The sudden assault has shocked residents and sparked calls for immediate security reinforcements.
Leaders Speak Out
Mandera East Member of Parliament Hussein Weytan strongly condemned the attack and extended his condolences to the victims’ families.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims during this difficult time. May Allah grant them comfort and strength. I also wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” Weytan wrote on his official Facebook page.
He urged security agencies to act swiftly and decisively, calling on Mandera County Security Committee Chairperson Henry Ochako to lead comprehensive investigations.
“Our people deserve to live and work without fear. We must not allow such acts of violence to continue,” Weytan stated.
Governor Vows Justice and Unity
Mandera County Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif issued a statement denouncing the attack in the strongest terms and promising justice for the victims.
“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the heinous and brutal attack that occurred in Bur Abor. This senseless act of violence has no place in our community,” the governor said.
“On behalf of the Mandera County Government and all peace-loving residents, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Your pain is our pain.”
Governor Khalif affirmed that county and national security agencies were working together to track down the perpetrators. “We will not allow criminals to instil fear in our communities or destabilize the progress we are making.”
He called on community members to reject violence and stand together in the face of terrorism. “Let us continue to promote harmony and protect the values that bind us as one people. Together, we will overcome this dark moment.”
Tensions High as Investigations Continue
The injured workers are receiving treatment at a local health facility under security protection. The bodies of the deceased have been moved to the Mandera County Referral Hospital morgue for identification and autopsy.
Security operations have since been intensified in Mandera East and surrounding areas, with patrols and checkpoints set up to deter further attacks. Authorities are appealing for public cooperation as investigations continue.
This incident underscores the persistent threat of violent extremism in Kenya’s border regions and highlights the urgent need for sustained, coordinated action to protect civilians and dismantle terrorist networks.
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