Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) attached to Burhakaba town in Bay region on Monday night intercepted Al-Shabaab explosives targeting civilians along Kenya-Somalia border, it has emerged.
Earlier, heavy gunfire exchanges were reported in Fino village in Mandera in which a police reservist was killed. Several Al-Shabaab militants are also said to have died.
Fino MCA Saad Sheikh said the reservists came face to face with the group while on an operation in Dawaduba.
"The reservists were responding to reports of the presence of Al-Shabaab in the area when the incident occurred after evening prayers," he said as quoted by the Nation.
But in what could have been a massive explosion in Bay region, KDF officers detonated several explosives that were targeting civilians who were preparing for the Idd-ul-Fitr
"Security forces in Burhakaba town, Bay region, have reportedly foiled possible attack on Eid celebrations tomorrow, per source. Explosives have been removed today from a field where Eid prayers are Planned to be performed on Tuesday," wrote VOA journalist Harun Maruf.
Al-Shabaab militants have intensified attacks during the Holy month of Ramadhan with another attack targeting KDF's base at Afmadow foiling last week after gunfire exchanges.
Importantly, the Al-Shabaab attacks comes at the time Kenya is pursuing two Cuban doctors who were abducted in April from Mandera. They are believed to be held in Gedo region.