Kenya’s Defence Forces (KDF) have intensified operations in Boni Forest, Lamu County, targeting dozens of Al-Shabaab militants who fled with gunshot wounds after a military raid on their hideout.
The operation, conducted on Tuesday, led to the killing of five Al-Shabaab fighters. Security forces also seized a cache of weapons including AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), solar-powered lamps, tents, ammunition, and components used to assemble improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
According to a statement released by the KDF communications unit, the operation was launched following intelligence reports that pinpointed a temporary Al-Shabaab camp in the Lacta Mangai area, deep within Boni Forest.
“Our special forces were on patrol after receiving intelligence in Lacta Mangai. During the operation, they encountered an Al-Shabaab camp, engaged them, and neutralized five militants, while several others escaped with serious gunshot wounds,” the statement read.
The military emphasized that Operation Amani Boni (OAB) remains in full force, pledging continued efforts to eliminate Al-Shabaab’s presence in the region and restore security for local residents.
“We want every family in Boni to live without fear. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals that may pose a threat to national security. Together, we will defeat terrorism and bring lasting peace to Boni,” the statement added.
Tuesday’s confrontation comes just six weeks after three KDF officers were killed and six others injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in the Badaa area near Sankuri, also in Boni Forest, on 15 July 2025.
The Kenyan government has maintained heightened security operations in the region since September 2015, working in collaboration with various police units and national administration officers. Over the past decade, these efforts have significantly reduced the frequency of Al-Shabaab attacks, casualties, and fatalities that once plagued Lamu County almost daily.
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