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At least five Kenyan soldiers were injured after an explosion targeted their vehicle in Modakarey Village, Garissa district of North Eastern Kenya, according to an eyewitness.
“I saw the five injured Kenyan soldiers immediately after the explosion,” said eyewitness Jayte Rage.
Garissa Mayor Ismail confirmed the incident to Somalia Report.
“There were five government soldiers who sustained minor injuries and those who carried out the attack escaped,“ said the mayor.
Although no group has yet claimed responsibility, the motive points to the al-Shabaab insurgent group battling Kenya and the Somali government for control of the country, particularly after the group claimed responsibility for an RPG attack in Mandera.
Whether today's explosion was caused by an IED, landmine, RPG or other device is yet unknown.
Somalia Report will update this as more information becomes available.
Mandera Suspects Arrested
Meanwhile, at least 20 Somalis were arrested last night by Kenyan police in Mandera during security operations on suspicion of having links to al-Shabaab.
“This morning the businesses of Mandera are closed due to fear of the police because they are arresting innocent people who have not committed any crimes,” said local resident Garad Hire.
Mr. Abdi, a former township chief in Mandera, confirmed to Somalia Report that the police carried out operations and arrested the suspects.
“The police are not targeting the civilians but those they suspect they are linked to the militant group of al-Shabaab,“ said Mr. Abdi.
Local residents in Mandera are worried how it will impact them.
“I am one of the shopkeepers in Mandera and I think this operation will affect my business,“ Farhiya Noor told Somalia Report.