In a heartbreaking development from Lamu County, three brave Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers lost their lives and seven others were seriously injured on Tuesday after their patrol vehicle hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the volatile Sankuri–Kiunga Main Supply Route (MSR).
The tragic attack, suspected to have been orchestrated by Al-Shabaab militants, underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by Kenyan forces patrolling the Boni Forest region near the Somalia border.
According to a statement by KDF’s Strategic Communications team, the ambush occurred during a routine patrol mission aimed at securing the critical supply route in the region.
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“Regrettably, three gallant soldiers succumbed to their injuries. These soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the citizens of Kenya. The entire KDF fraternity condoles with their families,” read part of the statement.
Following the blast, multi-agency security teams immediately launched a hot pursuit operation to track down and apprehend the perpetrators. Security has since been beefed up, with increased manning of key routes in and out of the area to prevent any escape or further attacks.
The seven injured soldiers were promptly evacuated and are currently receiving specialised treatment at a military facility in Kiunga. According to the latest update, all are responding well to medical care, though they remain under close observation.
KDF officials reiterated their unwavering commitment to securing the region:
“KDF and the entire multi-agency Operation Amani Boni fraternity remain unbowed and are resolute in ensuring that sustainable peace is attained in the area of responsibility.”
The Boni Forest, due to its dense vegetation and proximity to the porous Somalia-Kenya border, has become a hotbed for militant incursions. Over the years, Al-Shabaab operatives have used it as a staging ground for attacks against both civilian and military targets.
Despite this, Kenya’s security forces have remained vigilant and proactive, engaging in Operation Amani Boni, a joint task force aimed at flushing out militants and restoring peace.
This week’s attack is a grim reminder of the sacrifices made by Kenya’s uniformed personnel in the line of duty. The fallen soldiers, whose names have yet to be released, are hailed as heroes by both their comrades and a grateful nation.
As Kenyans mourn, the government is under renewed pressure to neutralize threats along the northeastern frontier and ensure that such tragedies become a thing of the past. In the meantime, the nation stands united in honoring the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of its fallen heroes.
