Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Special Forces have killed five al-Shabaab militants during a raid on a makeshift camp deep inside Boni Forest. The soldiers also recovered a cache of weapons, including RPG launchers, AK-47 rifles, and assorted ammunition.
According to KDF Strategic Communications, the intelligence-driven operation was conducted in the Lacta Mangai area of the forest, where the militants were neutralised while several others fled 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),” KDF said on Tuesday.
The operation is part of Operation Amani Boni (OAB), a long-running security campaign aimed at eliminating terrorist cells in the Boni enclave, which has served as a hideout for al-Shabaab fighters targeting Kenyan security forces and civilians.
KDF reaffirmed its commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the region, urging citizens to remain alert and report suspicious activity.
“Operation Amani Boni (OAB) remains committed to restoring lasting peace and security in the Boni region, ensuring that families can live without fear,” the force said.
“We call on citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to support our mission. Together, we will exterminate terrorism and ensure a peaceful Boni.”
This is the latest operation in the area amid fears the terror group has been trying to establish bases for attacks.
On July 15, 2025, at least three KDF soldiers were killed while seven others sustained injuries following an explosion on their vehicle on the Kiunga-Sankuri road in Lamu County.
The incident occurred after an improvised explosive device went off at Badaah area, police and witnesses said.
Police explained that the soldiers were en route to Sankuri to transport their colleagues when their vehicle hit an IED on the way back near Kiunga.
Lamu is under Operation Amani Boni, aimed at driving out al Shabaab gangs operating in the area.
The county 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 the special operation code-named Operation Linda Boni to flush out the terrorists.
The multi-agency operation seeks to eliminate 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, affecting development in the region.
