Six Injured in Suspected Al-Shabaab IED Attack in Mandera

At least six people were injured on Thursday evening following a suspected Al-Shabaab attack in Mandera County.

According to reports, a Toyota Land Cruiser traveling between Mandera and Elwak was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Odole Village in Elwak Sub-County at around 6:00 PM.

The blast injured six passengers, leaving one in critical condition.

Emergency services rushed all victims to the Elwak Sub-County Referral Hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Police have since launched investigations into the incident, although authorities had not officially confirmed the group behind the attack.

Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle struck a roadside IED while travelling along the Mandera–Elwak route.

Recent Attacks Along Kenya-Somalia Border

The latest explosion comes as security agencies continue responding to attacks involving suspected Al-Shabaab militants in counties bordering Somalia.

Just over a week earlier, on July 28, 2026, suspected militants attacked an elite Special Operations Group (SOG) patrol near Wantey Dam in Mandera County, killing five Kenyan security officers.

The officers died after their patrol vehicle encountered an IED during the attack.

Also Read: Suspected Al-Shabaab Militants Attack Two Towns in Mandera

Later, a reinforcement team sent to respond to the incident also struck another hidden explosive device, which destroyed an armoured vehicle.

Security agencies launched investigations as they assessed the circumstances surrounding the coordinated attacks.

Similarly, other counties along the border have recorded attacks targeting security personnel.

In Garissa County, militants killed four Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers in an IED attack before another ambush claimed the lives of six National Police Reserve officers.

In Lamu County, two KDF soldiers also died after their vehicle hit a roadside bomb while operating in the region.

Also Read: Former Councillor and MP Aspirant Shot Dead by Unknown Assailants at His Home

Civilians Also Targeted

Meanwhile, suspected militants have continued targeting civilians in some parts of Mandera County. In July 2026, gunmen opened fire on a passenger bus in an apparent attempt to force it to stop.

However, the driver continued driving despite the vehicle sustaining a puncture, allowing about 50 passengers to escape without injuries.

The security situation in areas bordering Somalia has also drawn international attention as the United States renewed its travel advisory for parts of Kenya bordering Somalia, citing continued concerns over terrorism threats.

Authorities continue investigating the Odole Village explosion as security agencies intensify operations to identify those responsible and address threats along the border region.

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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. PHOTO/Courtesy.