Starving Al-Shabaab militants on Saturday raided a village in Mandera Town reportedly in search for food ahead of Ramadhan, injuring a police reservist in the process.
Mandera East Deputy County Commissioner Lawrence Omondi said a food store was looted during the attack in Hareri Hosle village near Mandera.
The attack comes despite heavy presence of the police and KDF soldiers along the border due to increased surveillance. Security forces have been running crackdown in the region following abduction of two Cuban doctors last last.
Until now, even with the deployment of elite Rangers Strike Regiment that comprises of Rangers Strike Force and Special Forces, the doctors are yet to be traced. Somali elders from Mandera and across the border are in talks to have them released.
“We are holding at least 28 vehicles, mostly Toyota Probox, that operate in Mandera town as taxis. We are trying to verify their registration,” said Mandera County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom.
Last week, over five Al-Shabaab militants surrended to Somalia National Army in Gedo and Lower Shebelle regions, where the doctors are believed to be held at ransom.
"Three Al-Shabaab operatives defected to government forces in Gedo region within the last 24 hrs. Abdiwahab Ahmed, an Al-Shabaab Da’wa official surrendered in Garbaharey on Tuesday. Separately, two militants arrived in Dolow w/ their AK47, Wednesday," said Maruf, the author of Inside Al-Shabaab book.
However, Mr Omondi insists that the attack was informed by scarcity of food in the neighbouring Somalia. All Muslims are expected to start celebrations of Holly Month of Ramadhan from Monday.