At least eight people were killed when gunmen opened fire on a security vehicle escorting engineers and other staff on the Mandera‑Arabia‑Lafey Road project.

The attack took place on Tuesday morning at Koromey, near Hagarsu along Arabia Road, as the convoy moved through the construction zone.

Police reports indicate five of the dead were engineers working on the road, while two were Kenya Police Reservists attached to the security detail.

The driver of the security vehicle suffered critical gunshot wounds and later died while being rushed to Mandera County Teaching and Referral Hospital.

A senior police officer confirmed the incident and said additional personnel have been deployed to pursue the attackers, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation.

The assault underscores persistent security challenges for infrastructure projects in the border region, an area frequently targeted by al Shabaab militants.

Security environment around the Mandera‑Arabia‑Lafey road

The Mandera‑Arabia‑Lafey road project is described as a key infrastructure undertaking in the region, highlighting its strategic importance.

In recent weeks, militant activity has risen, including attacks on Hulugho Police Station and a multi‑agency security camp in Garissa County on 7 November, and a repelled assault on a forward operating base in Mandera.

Security forces have stepped up surveillance around the Mandera border area, employing drones and indirect fire to detect and deter suspected militants.