Two border patrol officers have been killed in Kulan after their patrol vehicle ran over an Improvised Explosive Device that exploded instantly, destroying the vehicle and ending their lives on the spot.
The team was on routine patrol near Daadab when the blast went off, leaving the scene in chaos and exposing once again the rising danger faced by security officers working in the region.
Five other officers who were inside the same vehicle were left with severe injuries and had to be rushed for emergency treatment, with their condition described as critical.
Early reports from the ground show that the explosion happened the moment the vehicle rolled over the hidden device. Security teams believe the bomb was placed along the patrol route intentionally, targeting the officers at a point where they were most vulnerable.
Although no group had claimed responsibility at the time this information was shared, authorities suspect the attack was the work of Al-Shabaab, a group known for using IEDs to target security officers in Garissa and nearby areas.
Recent months have shown a worrying pattern of similar incidents in the Dadaab area, where attackers seem to prefer IEDs because they are easy to hide on rugged land and difficult for officers to detect while on patrol.
In May 2025, three officers narrowly escaped a morning attack when their Land Cruiser hit an explosive. The vehicle was badly damaged at the front, but the officers survived because the bomb detonated earlier than the attackers intended.
The region has also witnessed active efforts by security agencies to stop more attacks. In October, the Special Operations Group intercepted eight suspected militants who were setting up more IEDs in the Eelmerer-Yumbia area.
The quick response was possible after local residents shared intelligence, showing how important community cooperation is in areas exposed to militant activity.
The suspects were reportedly assembling the explosives when the officers moved in, preventing what could have been another deadly incident.
Militants rely on IEDs because the devices allow them to strike without direct confrontation. Since they cannot match the state in terms of firepower, they use explosives to even the ground by targeting patrol vehicles, disrupting movement, and weakening security presence.
These devices also complicate the work of officers, as they blend easily with the terrain and force patrol teams to move with extra caution, slowing operations in areas where quick response is needed.
Garissa County has recently been highlighted in reports focusing on rising terror threats. Analysts warned that reduced funding, delayed programmes, and strained security operations create conditions where militants can flourish, especially around refugee camps.
The latest attack in Kulan now adds to the growing concern and shows how urgently the region needs stronger support to protect both officers and residents.
