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Kenya’s elite security units on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, thwarted a hurried and cowardly attempt by Al-Shabaab militants to attack a Special Operations Group (SOG) camp in Fino, Mandera County.
The operation highlights the country’s intensified counterterrorism efforts, especially during the festive and year-end period.
According to reports, the militants launched a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) at the camp before fleeing the area, apparently abandoning the mission in haste.
The projectile missed its intended target, causing no damage, injuries, or casualties, a result officials attributed to the preparedness and vigilance of the officers stationed at the facility.
The failed assault comes amid heightened security operations across northeastern Kenya, a region that has repeatedly been targeted by Al-Shabaab operatives exploiting porous border points and remote terrain to stage cross-border attacks.
Pattern of Foiled Attacks in Mandera
The attempted attack in Fino echoes a similar operation earlier this month in Mandera County.
On December 16, 2025, Kenyan police repelled an overnight assault on a guarded compound housing 10 Chinese road construction workers in Elwak.
The militants stormed the compound near Elwak police station, damaging vehicles and infrastructure before withdrawing after an extended gunfight.
Border patrol officers were swiftly deployed to reinforce the guards and secure the workers after the attackers breached the main gate and perimeter fence.
Investigations later indicated the militants had infiltrated Elwak from Somalia using informal crossing routes, underscoring the continued threat posed by cross-border movement.
Also Read: Police Take Down Suspected Terrorists Trying to Cross Border
SOG’s Rapid Response in Garissa
In another major counterterrorism success on October 27, 2025, the Kenya Elite Special Operations Group intercepted eight Al-Shabaab militants in the Welmerer-Yumbia area of Garissa County as they attempted to plant improvised explosive devices.
In a statement at the time, Counter Terrorism Policing said the SOG acted on intelligence from local residents, noting that “Elite Special Operations Group (SOG) stopped 8 Alshabaab terrorists who were attempting to set up Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS) at the Welmerer-Yumbia area in Garissa.”
The statement added that, “The Brave officers engaged the terrorists and managed to recover assembled IEDS, which were to be used to attack our mothers, children, and security officers using the Welmerer-Yumbis road. The SOG appreciates the cooperation of the local community and other stakeholders and urges for enhanced vigilance to stop any terror plots.”
Also Read: KDF Introduces Data Science and AI Course to Boost Military Skills
Border Security and Superior Firepower
Further reinforcing Kenya’s defensive posture, police neutralized suspected terrorists attempting to cross the border on November 30, 2025.
Counter Terrorism Policing praised the special teams manning the frontier, declaring, “A group of terrorists attempted to infiltrate our border,” part of the statement read.
“Our Special teams manning our border taught them a lesson. Our superior firepower and committed officers will always win against the enemies of our nation,” the Counter Terrorism Policing added.
Broader Counterterrorism Gains
Beyond police-led operations, the Kenya Defence Forces have also intensified pressure on militant networks.
On August 26, KDF Special Forces killed five Al-Shabaab militants during an operation in Boni Forest, Lamu County, recovering weapons, RPG launchers, ammunition, and materials used to manufacture explosives.
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General Kahariri during a visit to KDF soldiers. PHOTO/ KDF X
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