Deadly Bomb Attack on Donkey Cart Kills 5 in Northern Kenya

A bomb attack on a donkey cart in El Wak town, Mandera County, northern Kenya, near the Somali border, killed five people and wounded five others. The attack is suspected to have been carried out by al-Shabab militants, though no immediate claim of responsibility has been made.

The Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was planted in the town's Central Business District near an Administrative Police (AP) post, targeting houses belonging to teachers and healthcare workers, most of whom were non-locals. "The victims include four non-locals and one local person," according to a police report.

Security operations were launched after the explosion, but no arrests were made. The area is near the Kenya-Somalia border, which the terrorist group frequently breaches, and the border region has borne the brunt of repeated attacks from the militants, who are sometimes aided by locals.

The attack caused panic and forced businesses, including banks, to close temporarily as security teams investigated the incident and pursued suspects. Equity Bank confirmed that its staff in Elwak were safe, but the local branch would remain closed as the security agencies continue with investigations.

Why this matters: This deadly attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by al-Shabab militants in the region and the challenges faced by security forces in preventing such incidents. The targeting of non-local professionals raises concerns about the safety of those working in the area and the potential impact on essential services.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki confirmed the incident, stating that security forces had sealed off the area for investigation and are pursuing the attackers. The Mandera governor condemned the "heinous and tragic terrorist attack" and urged the public to remain vigilant and share information with security agencies. As authorities work to unravel the circumstances surrounding the explosion and assess its full impact, the community remains gripped by shock and uncertainty.

Key Takeaways

• Bomb attack in El Wak, Kenya kills 5, wounds 5 near Somalia border
• Attack suspected to be carried out by al-Shabab militants, no claim yet
• IED targeted houses of non-local teachers, healthcare workers
• Security operations launched, no arrests made, area near Kenya-Somalia border
• Attack highlights ongoing threat from al-Shabab, challenges for security forces