The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has thwarted multiple suspected terrorist attacks in Lamu County after recovering and safely destroying four improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along key supply routes used by both security personnel and civilians.

The discoveries were made during separate security operations under Operation Amani Boni (OAB), a multi-agency counterterrorism mission targeting al-Shabaab militants operating within the Boni Forest and surrounding areas.

The operation combines intelligence gathering, route clearance patrols and offensive missions aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement while protecting communities in the region.

According to KDF, the first explosive device was detected during a routine patrol after soldiers identified a concealed pressure-plate IED along a major supply road.

The area was immediately secured before Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists carried out a controlled detonation, successfully neutralising the device without injuries.

Days later, troops conducting another route clearance patrol in the Sarira area uncovered three additional IEDs hidden at different points approximately 5.1, 8.27 and 8.4 kilometres apart.

EOD teams responded swiftly and safely destroyed all the explosives, preventing what security officials believe could have been deadly attacks targeting military convoys and civilian motorists.

KDF said the repeated recovery of roadside bombs demonstrates that terrorist groups continue to rely on IEDs after sustained military operations significantly weakened their capacity to stage large-scale assaults.

The military attributed the successful missions to intelligence-led planning, disciplined patrol procedures and the vigilance of troops deployed in the Boni Forest.

The Commander of Operation Amani Boni reaffirmed that offensive and stabilisation operations remain active across the theatre, with security forces maintaining pressure on suspected militants while securing transport corridors and protecting residents.

Lamu has remained a key focus of Kenya’s counterterrorism campaign due to repeated al-Shabaab attacks over the years, including the 2014 Mpeketoni massacre in which more than 90 people were killed. Security agencies continue to intensify operations to prevent further attacks and restore lasting peace in the coastal region.