Around 60 suspected Al Shabaab fighters are believed to have launched a terrifying nighttime assault on Basuba village, which lies deep inside the notorious Boni Forest region of Lamu County.
Eyewitnesses say the heavily armed militants stormed the quiet village on the night of Friday, July 25, at around 9 p.m., firing shots wildly and forcing residents to flee for their lives.
The attackers moved from house to house, creating panic and confusion among the locals, many of whom were caught off guard and unable to call for help due to the remote location.
In a brazen move, some of the militants advanced towards the nearby General Service Unit (GSU) police camp, which is located just a few meters from the village. They encircled the camp and launched an aggressive assault, sparking a fierce gun battle between them and the police officers stationed there.
The intense exchange of gunfire lasted for approximately one hour, during which the GSU officers bravely held their ground and managed to repel the attackers. Reports indicate that the militants fired at least four rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) targeting both the GSU camp and sections of the village.
Fortunately, there were no confirmed injuries or fatalities from the attack, although the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Following the incident, Kenyan security forces have stepped up surveillance and response efforts in the area. More officers have been deployed as part of an intensified security operation aimed at flushing out militants believed to be hiding in the vast forested region.
This latest attack adds to a disturbing pattern of increased militant activity in the region over the last three months. Just two weeks ago, three Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers lost their lives during a deadly ambush inside the Boni Forest. I
n that incident, which occurred on July 15, six other soldiers were injured when their military vehicle triggered an improvised explosive device (IED).
Those troops were part of Operation Amani Boni, a joint security campaign launched in September of the previous year with the goal of clearing out terrorist cells operating within the forest.
A similarly coordinated attack also happened in April this year in the same region. During that assault, suspected Al Shabaab militants staged a late-night raid at around 10:45 p.m.
The attackers split into three groups—one targeted the GSU camp directly, while the other two teams went after residents in the nearby village, once again causing widespread fear and disruption.
As the situation continues to develop, local leaders and security officials are urging residents to remain vigilant, and have reassured the public that efforts are being made to restore peace and safety in the region.
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