Deaths Reported as Vehicle With Passengers Gets Bombed in Wajir
The driver of a Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) traveling from Wajir to Mandera County was killed instantaneously by a roadside bomb on Saturday, September 16.
During the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack, it was also reported that four passengers suffered severe injuries.
When it struck the IED, the all-terrain road Land Cruiser van that had been converted into a PSV was transporting five passengers.
The vehicle encountered the IED in the Qurqura region, between Alungu and Elwak Towns, which is a well-traveled route frequented by merchants from Wajir and Mandera Counties.
The survivors promptly made frantic distress calls to Mandera County police officers.
Minutes later, a contingent of police officers arrived at the scene to assess the situation and evacuate the deceased and injured.
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The injured passengers were promptly rushed to Mandera Level Five Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.
The metallic materials that had been packed into the homemade device caused shrapnel injuries among the passengers.
It is suspected that Al-Shabaab militants, who have been targeting Kenyan forces operating in the area, planted the improvised explosive device.
The Islamist militant group based in Somalia has been conducting attacks in Northern Kenya for years. Additionally, the group has been especially active along the Kenyan coast, where it has carried out numerous attacks against security forces and civilians.
Northern Kenya has witnessed an increase in al-Shabaab activity in recent years.
Al-Shabaab’s presence in northern Kenya has had a devastating effect on the region. The attacks have caused the deaths and injuries of hundreds of people and the displacement of thousands more.
In addition to disrupting economic activity, the violence has made it difficult for people to access essential services.
Deaths Reported as Vehicle With Passengers Gets Bombed in Wajir