Suspected Al-Shabaab militants have carried out an early morning attack in Mangai Village, Lamu County, targeting critical communication infrastructure and causing widespread disruption to mobile network services.
According to security officials, the attackers stormed the area under the cover of darkness and destroyed a Safaricom communication mast.
The damage led to an immediate outage of mobile phone services in Mangai and surrounding villages, cutting off residents from communication with the outside world.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries or deaths were reported during the incident.
Residents are said to have fled their homes temporarily as the attackers retreated, fearing a possible follow-up assault.
The destruction of the mast has significantly affected daily life in the remote village.
Mobile communication is a vital link for residents, who rely on it for business transactions, emergency services, and staying in touch with family members.
Security agencies moved swiftly to the area and launched operations to track down the suspects.
The region has in the past experienced sporadic attacks linked to Al-Shabaab militants crossing over from Somalia, often targeting security installations and public infrastructure.
Local leaders condemned the attack, describing it as an attempt to isolate communities and disrupt normal life.
They called on the government to speed up repairs to restore network connectivity and enhance security patrols in vulnerable areas.
Safaricom engineers are expected to assess the extent of the damage and begin restoration work once the area is declared safe.
However, officials warned that repairs may take time due to the level of destruction and security concerns.
The incident has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges facing parts of Lamu County.
Despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts, militants continue to target strategic assets, aiming to spread fear and disrupt essential services.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by sharing any information that could help prevent future attacks.