Kenya's Counter-Terrorism Police Thwart Al-Shabaab Attack in Garissa

Kenya, 27 October 2025 - Kenya's Counter-Terrorism Police on Monday morning thwarted an attempted Al-Shabaab attack in Garissa County where eight suspects remain on the officers' radar.

A team of Kenya’s Elite Special Operations Group (SOG), acting on information from members of the public, successfully neutered a terrorist plot by the suspects in the Welmerer-Yumbia area, preventing a potentially devastating attack.

The SOG confronted eight Al-Shabaab operatives who were attempting to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Welmerer-Yumbis road, a vital route used by civilians and security personnel.

In a swift and decisive operation, the SOG engaged the terrorists, recovering fully assembled IEDs intended to target innocent mothers, children, and security officers.

The operation resulted in the neutralisation of the threat, with no reported casualties among the security forces or civilians.

The SOG commended the local community for their critical role in reporting the suspicious activity, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in combating terrorism.

"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 Welmerer-Yumbis road," the Counter-Terrorism Policing KE, posted on its X page.

"The SOG appreciates the cooperation of the local community and other stakeholders and urges for enhanced vigilance to stop any terror plots."

Residents have been urged to maintain heightened awareness and inform police of any red flags to prevent future terror plots.

Authorities have increased security patrols in the area.

The successful operation marks another blow to Al-Shabaab’s attempts to destabilize the region, highlighting the strength of community-security collaboration in Garissa.