Somalia: Suspected Al Shabaab Gunmen Kidnap Kenyan Government Official

Gunmen believed to be Al Shabaab hijacked a miraa van and kidnapped a chief in an attack in Arabia near the border town of Mandera. The attack took place early on Thursday; security agencies said they are pursuing gunmen.

The chief Muktar Otieno was headed for Mandera town when the attack happened. No recovery has been made so far. The incident is the latest to take place in the area despite concentrated operations in the past days in which dozens have been arrested and charged over terror activities.

Mandera county has experienced wave of Al Shabaab attacks targeting Kenyan government officials.

Area Governor Ali Roba survived several assassination attempts by Al Shabaab before.