Elite Special Operations Group (SOG) officers have foiled a planned terror attack in Garissa County after intercepting eight Al-Shabaab militants attempting to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Welmerer–Yumbis road.
According to a statement from the Counter Terrorism Policing Kenya, the operation followed an intelligence report from members of the local community, who alerted security agencies after spotting suspicious activity in the area.
Acting swiftly, the elite officers moved in and engaged the terrorists before they could execute their plan.
“Our Elite Special Operations Group (SOG) stopped eight Al-Shabaab terrorists who were attempting to set up Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at the Welmerer–Yumbis area in Garissa,” the statement read.
During the encounter, the SOG team managed to recover several assembled explosives, which investigators believe were intended for use in attacks targeting civilians and security personnel using the busy Welmerer–Yumbis road.
“The brave officers engaged the terrorists and managed to recover assembled IEDs, which were to be used to attack our mothers, children, and security officers using the Welmerer–Yumbis road,” the statement added.
The successful operation is part of Kenya’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the northern region, which has faced sporadic attacks from Al-Shabaab militants attempting to infiltrate from neighboring Somalia.
Security agencies have intensified patrols and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to prevent such plots before they materialize.
The SOG commended the local residents for their vigilance and timely reporting, emphasizing that community cooperation remains critical in the fight against terrorism.
“The SOG appreciates the cooperation of the local community and other stakeholders and urges for enhanced vigilance to stop any terror plots,” the statement noted.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining peace in the region, warning that security operations will continue to target extremist cells attempting to destabilize border areas.
This latest operation underscores the importance of intelligence-led interventions and the strong collaboration between local communities and security forces in countering terrorism across Kenya’s frontier counties.
