IED event in Kenya on Mon 20th July 2026

Kenya, July 20, 2026 - The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has revealed that it discovered four improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on two separate occasions along key routes in Lamu County that were allegedly planted by terrorists to target civilians and security personnel.

In a statement on Sunday, KDF said that the explosives were uncovered along Major Supply Routes (MSRs), under Operation Amani Boni (OAB), which are utilised by both the military and communities in the surrounding areas.

The first incident, which involved a concealed pressure plate IED, occurred during a route clearance and link- up patrol.

The military said that it secured the area and conducted a controlled detonation, rendering the explosive harmless and preventing what could have turned out to be a deadly attack.

Some days later, troops conducting another routine route clearance and dominance patrol uncovered three additional concealed IEDs positioned approximately 5.1 kilometres, 8.27 kilometres and 8.4 kilometres in MSRs in the Sarira area.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists were then alerted and later secured the locations and safely disposed of all three devices.

“The repeated recovery of IEDs along supply routes underscores the continued reliance by terrorist elements on hidden explosive devices following sustained operational pressure that has significantly constrained their ability to conduct conventional attacks,” KDF stated.

“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,” it added.

The commander of Operation Amani Boni maintained that the troops will remain vigilant over key areas by securing critical lines of communication and relentlessly pursuing those responsible for planting the explosives.

The military is optimistic that the operations will be fundamental in eroding the capacity of terrorists and reinforce the safety of residents, businesses and travellers across the region.

“Beyond protecting military personnel, the operations have safeguarded civilian lives and preserved the security of vital transport routes, reinforcing KDF’s unwavering resolve to counter terrorist threats and support lasting peace, stability and socio-economic activity in Lamu County,” KDF stated.