Suspected Al-Shabaab Militants Attack Two Towns in Mandera

Suspected al-Shabaab militants reportedly launched attacks on the towns of Fino and Arabia in Lafey Constituency, Mandera County, on Friday evening, July 24, 2026.

The attack reportedly began in Fino between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a similar assault reported in Arabia about an hour later. The attackers were said to be heavily armed.

Reports indicate that security personnel were deployed to the affected area to contain the situation and pursue the attackers.

A clip shared online captured the sound of gunshots during the attacks.

However, it was not immediately clear whether the clip was recorded in Fino or Arabia town.

Security Forces Launch Response

The attacks prompted an immediate deployment of multi-agency security teams to the affected areas as authorities sought to secure residents and prevent further incursions.

Reports indicated that officers launched pursuit operations against the fleeing militants, while additional reinforcements were dispatched to strengthen security in Lafey Constituency.

Also Read:How Police Stopped an Al-Shabaab Raid in Mandera

The latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing Mandera County, particularly communities located near the Kenya-Somalia border, where Al-Shabaab militants have frequently targeted security installations, public transport and civilian settlements.

In recent months, Fino has remained one of the hotspots for militant activity.

In June, suspected Al-Shabaab fighters attacked the Special Operations Group (SOG) camp in the area using Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and automatic weapons before security officers repulsed them after a fierce gun battle.

Several officers sustained injuries during that attack, highlighting the continued threat posed by the militant group.

Border Region Under Persistent Threat

Mandera has experienced repeated cross-border attacks over the years because of its proximity to Somalia, where the Al-Shabaab militant group remains active.

Also Read:Somali Man Jailed for 10 Years Over Al-Shabaab Links

Kenyan security agencies have intensified surveillance and intelligence-led operations across the northeastern region in an effort to disrupt planned attacks and dismantle militant networks.

Just weeks before Friday’s incident, Kenyan security forces announced the killing of 11 suspected Al-Shabaab militants during an intelligence-led operation near the Kenya-Somalia border after receiving information that the group was planning attacks on villages in Mandera County.

Authorities said the operation disrupted an imminent assault and demonstrated the government’s continued efforts to counter the insurgency.

Friday’s attacks come less than a week after another security incident in Mandera in which an improvised explosive device (IED) attack targeted a passenger vehicle along the Takaba-Mandera road, killing several people and injuring others.

The succession of incidents has renewed concerns over security in Kenya’s northeastern region despite sustained military and police operations against the militants.

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