North Eastern region has, in recent times, suffered massively in the hands of Al-Shabaab militants. While the most notable incident remains the abduction of two Cuban doctors in Mandera, questions are fast emerging on why the region remains the prime target.
However, according to intelligence briefs, clan conflicts and rivalry is to blame for the rising cases of attacks on Kenyans in the North Eastern region
"Cross-border smuggling and infighting in Al-Shabaab in Somalia are behind the current surge in attacks and kidnappings targeting Kenyans and foreigners on the border counties of Garissa, Mandera and Wajir," reads part of the intelligence report quoted by the Daily Nation.
The report further alleged that the Marehan clan, which is numerically superior in Southern Somalia, wants to expand territory to dominate from Gedo region to Kismayu.
Gedo town which lies near the Kenyan border is a strategic hub for lucrative illegal businesses, especially human trafficking.
The Al-Shabaab terrorist group, which has steadily been losing grip of the port of Kismayu, is said to be capitalising on the clan dynamics along the porous border in Gedo region to run several illegal businesses and fund their terrorist operations.