Three Americans Killed in Sunday Lamu Al-Shabaab Attack, US Military Says

Three American citizens lost their lives while two sustained injuries in Sunday morning al-Shabaab attack on Lamu’s Camp Simba military base which hosts both Kenyan and US military personnel.

In an update, the US military Africa Command (Africom) said the fatalities included one US Service member and two Department of Defense contractors. Those wounded are members of the Defense Department and are in stable condition.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of our teammates who lost their lives. As we honor their sacrifice, let us also harden our resolve. Alongside our African and international partners, we will pursue those responsible for this attack and al-Shabaab who seeks to harm Americans and US interests,” said Commander of the US Africa Command, General Stephen Townsend.

“We remain committed to preventing al-Shabaab from maintaining a safe haven to plan deadly attacks against the US homeland, East African and international partners.” 

Africom further indicated that the attackers penetrated the military base compound but were repulsed by officers from Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and US soldiers. The body also said six contractor-operated aircraft were damaged in the attack that involved indirect and small arms fire.

In a communique on Sunday, KDF did not disclose the number of casualties suffered in the attack but it revealed five terrorists were gunned down. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it killed a number of Kenyan and US soldiers and took control of part of the military camp.

“The Mujahideen fighters covertly entered enemy lines, successfully stormed the heavily fortified military base and have now taken effective control of a part of the base,” part of the statement by al-Shabaab read.