Al Shabaab attack in Mandera, leaving a police dead and three vehicles burnt

                                                                         Al-shabaab militants in Somali

MANDERA—A police officer was killed and three vehicles destroyed by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Lafey town, Mandera County at around 2am Thursday.

Speaking by phone, Lafey Deputy County Commissioner Eric Oronyi said the attack was executed by more than 50 armed militants.

“We have lost an officer in the attack. The officer is a sergeant,” he said.

He added that three Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles at the AP camp were burnt during the attack.

He also said both AP and regular police camps were attacked and there was massive destruction of property at both camps.

Police in the area said they believe there were Al-Shabaab militants who were killed or seriously injured and picked up by their accomplices as they escaped. This was evident as there was a trail of blood within the camp.

North Eastern regional coordinator Mohamud Saleh said the attackers escaped soon after the attack.

“The militia stole one car after causing damage at the station but response teams are pursuing them. The place is remote and far,” he said.

A dusk to dawn curfew has been imposed in the area and it is not clear how the group managed to strike. The other towns are Mandera Town, Arabia, Fino, Lafey Kotulo and Elwak.