Three Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers have died after their patrol unit was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Sankuri-Kiunga route in Lamu County.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 15, during a routine patrol. In a statement released by the KDF, the soldiers were described as having paid the ultimate price in their commitment to protect Kenya and its people.
"Regrettably, three gallant soldiers succumbed to their injuries. These soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the citizens of Kenya. The entire KDF fraternity condoles with their families," the statement read.
Immediately following the attack, multi-agency security teams launched a coordinated operation to pursue the individuals responsible for planting the explosive. The KDF said that the search efforts have intensified, with increased surveillance on all roads and entry points around the affected area to block the attackers from escaping.
“KDF and the entire multi-agency Operation Amani Boni fraternity remain unbowed and have the resolve to ensure that sustainable peace is attained in the area of responsibility,” the statement added.
Other soldiers injured in the attack were quickly evacuated to nearby military medical facilities, where they are reported to be in stable condition and responding positively to treatment.
This attack is part of an ongoing wave of insecurity in the coastal and northeastern regions of Kenya, where extremist groups have in the past used IEDs and ambush tactics to target security forces.
The deaths come just a month after a separate tragedy involving two Kenya Air Force officers, who died when their aircraft crashed in Kinango, Kwale County. That incident occurred on June 14 during a routine training flight. According to the KDF, the Grob 120A aircraft developed an emergency and crashed near Mwakijembe Primary School. Both pilots on board died, and recovery operations were launched immediately.
The KDF has reiterated its commitment to securing the country and ensuring that those behind such attacks are brought to justice.
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