Editor's Review

KDF troops deployed under Operation Amani Boni (OAB) have neutralised an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) discovered along a major supply route in Lamu County.

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops deployed under Operation Amani Boni (OAB) have neutralised an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) discovered along a major supply route in Lamu County.

In an update on Tuesday, November 10, the military said the explosive was detected during a routine security patrol along the Baure-Basuba Main Supply Route (MSR).

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According to the KDF, soldiers identified a concealed device that posed a potential danger to military personnel, civilians and other road users.

Following the discovery, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team working alongside OAB troops was immediately deployed to the scene. 

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The specialists successfully destroyed the device through a controlled detonation, averting a possible incident.

The operation was completed without any injuries or fatalities, while the intervention helped restore the safety of the affected route.

Speaking after the incident, the patrol commander underscored the importance of maintaining constant vigilance during security operations.

"Every patrol matters because we never know what dangers may lie ahead. Our priority is to protect lives and ensure that people can move safely," the patrol commander said.

File image of the neutralised IED

This comes months after KDF soldiers thwarted multiple suspected terrorist attacks and destroyed four IEDs in Lamu County. 

In a statement on Monday, July 20, KDF said the IEDs were concealed along key supply routes used by both security personnel and civilians.

"In a series of successful operations, KDF troops thwarted multiple terrorist plots after discovering and safely neutralizing four concealed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along Major Supply Routes (MSRs), along critical corridors used by both security forces and local communities in the area of responsibility," read the statement in part. 

In the first incident, KDF soldiers were on a route clearance and link-up patrol when they detected a concealed pressure plate IED. 

The troops immediately secured the area and safely destroyed the IED, preventing what could have been a deadly attack.

"Demonstrating vigilance and operational expertise, the soldiers immediately secured the area and conducted a controlled detonation, rendering the explosive harmless and preventing what could have been a potentially devastating attack," KDF stated. 

Days later, KDF soldiers, while conducting another routine route clearance and dominance patrol, uncovered three additional concealed IEDs along major supply routes in the Sarira area.

According to KDF, the devices were located approximately 5.1 kilometers, 8.27 kilometers and 8.4 kilometers apart.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists were deployed to the scene and safely disposed of all three explosives without casualties or damage.

KDF pointed out that the repeated discovery of IEDs highlights the continued reliance by terrorists on hidden explosives following sustained military pressure that has weakened their ability to launch conventional attacks.

"It also highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations, systematic route clearance procedures and the professionalism of KDF personnel, whose constant vigilance continues to deny hostile actors the freedom to operate," KDF added.