US Military Conducts Operations in Lamu Against Al-Shabaab
The United States military has conducted operations in Lamu County targeting the Al-Shabaab militant group, according to reports from international security sources. The operations, believed to have been carried out in coordination with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), are part of a longstanding bilateral security partnership aimed at degrading the terrorist network’s capabilities in the region. The specific nature and location of the operations were not immediately disclosed.
The involvement of US forces, likely from the Africa Command (AFRICOM), typically involves aerial surveillance and drone strikes targeting high-value terrorist figures or camps. This support is considered crucial for the Linda Boni multi-agency security operation, which has been active in flushing out militants from the vast Boni Forest. The Lamu region has been a hotspot for Al-Shabaab infiltration and attacks.
The Kenyan government has previously acknowledged the strategic partnership with the US in the fight against terrorism. While the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) leads the ground operations, US military assistance provides critical intelligence and strike capabilities. The latest operations underscore the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab and the international dimension of the efforts to secure the Kenyan coast.