Five al Shabaab terrorists killed by KDF in an ambush in Lamu

At least five suspected al Shabaab terrorists were Tuesday killed in an ambush by the Kenya Defense Forces in Lacta Mangai within the expansive Boni Forest, Lamu County.

A team of Special Forces was acting on an intelligence led patrol when they staged the ambush, officials said.

A statement from KDF said the team discovered and neutralized a makeshift al-shabaab camp killing the five terrorists while others escaped with injuries.

The operation also resulted in the recovery of al-shabaab significant operational items, including AK-47 rifles, RPG launchers with warheads, rounds and ammunition, solar panels, tents, and various materials used for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“Operation Amani Boni(OAB) remains committed to restoring lasting peace and security in the Boni region, ensuring that families can live without fear,” the statement said.

This is the latest operation in the area amid fears the terror group has been trying to establish bases in the area for attacks.

On July 15, 2025 at least three KDF soldiers were killed while seven others are nursing injuries following an explosion on their vehicle on the Kiunga-Sankuri road in Lamu County.

This happened after an Improvised Explosive Device went off at Badaah area, police and witnesses said.

Lamu is under Operation Amani Boni aimed at driving out al Shabaab gangs operating in the area.

Lamu has for years been the scene of terrorist attacks targeting both locals and security officers.

The most devastating strike happened in Mpeketoni and Kibaoni on the night of June 15, 2014, when more than 90 people were killed.

The area is under special operation code-named Operation Linda Boni to flush out the terrorists there.

The multi-agency operation seeks to flush out al-Shabaab militants from Boni Forest.

More than 100 security agents have been killed in Lamu, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera Counties in IED attacks in past years.