Two Kenyan policemen were killed and two others were injured in a landmine explosion on Wednesday evening in the border area between Mandhera, Kenya and Buulo Hawo, Somalia. The blast occurred at Kulun Border Point Four, located 100 km inside Kenya where Kenyan security forces were stationed to patrol the border. According to security sources, the soldiers were on a routine patrol when the explosion occurred. The two soldiers who were killed have been identified as Cpl Mohamed Abdow Issack and Pc Abdirashid Shabellow Ali. They succumbed to their injuries sustained in the blast. PC Athan Nur Abdullah Abdi was also injured and is currently in critical condition at Mandhera referral hospital. However, PC (R) Abdilahi Jillow Adan’s injuries are not considered critical. The Kenyan security forces immediately responded to the scene, securing the area and launching an investigation. Reports from the area suggest that the attack may have been carried out by armed groups in retaliation. Police have confirmed that all weapons carried by the soldiers were accounted for and no guns are missing. The bodies of the two policemen have been returned to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic tradition. The Anti-terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Mandhera are working together to investigate the incident.
